A community clean-up at Korosomo in Seaqaqa, Labasa has highlighted the extent of irresponsible waste disposal in the area, with 30 sacks of rubbish and approximately six truckloads of waste collected in just one day.
The clean-up, organised by the Waka Family yesterday, brought together representatives from the Macuata Provincial Office, Seaqaqa Police, HFC Bank, neighbouring communities and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, who worked together to clear waste from the area.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya has thanked everyone who worked alongside the Waka Family to make the clean-up possible.
Tabuya says the Waka Family has shown leadership by taking the initiative and bringing people together to restore their environment.
However, she says communities should not have to continuously clean up rubbish carelessly dumped by others.
She has called on enforcement officers in Labasa and across the Northern Division to strengthen enforcement of the Litter (Amendment) Act 2026.
Tabuya says the fixed penalty for littering is $200 and enforcement officers must enforce the law, adding that those who choose to litter must be prepared to pay the fine.
She also thanked the Macuata Provincial Office, Seaqaqa Police, HFC Bank, neighbouring communities, A Khan Hire and Service and Ministry officers for supporting the community effort.
The Ministry has thanked everyone who contributed their time, resources and effort to the Korosomo clean-up and has urged members of the public to take responsibility for their waste.
