Even with good laws, enforcement remains the biggest challenge in waste management : Sharma

Even with strong waste management laws in place, enforcement remains the biggest challenge in tackling illegal dumping and littering in Fiji and without strict penalties and proper monitoring, these laws fail to bring real change.

This issue was raised by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for Local Government Seema Sharma during the Pacific Recycling Foundation Round table Discussion today themed Unpacking Brriers to Sustainable Waste Mnagement : Accountability , Action, and Urgency

She says many Pacific countries have well-structured legislation, but without proper implementation, they remain ineffective.

Sharma says the Ministry of Environment has started training litter prevention officers to monitor and issue fines.

She says some councils, like Sigatoka, have installed CCTV cameras in dumping hotspots, significantly reducing illegal waste disposal and Lautoka has made progress by composting 100 percent of its market waste, setting an example for sustainable waste management.

She further says civic pride alone is not enough to change behaviour and strict fines, similar to those in Singapore, are necessary.

The Permanent Secretary says waste management is not just the responsibility of councils or the Ministry of Environment but requires a coordinated government effort to ensure proper enforcement.

Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua says communities must take ownership of their surroundings.

The Founder of Pacific Recycling Foundation Amitesh Deo says grassroots organisations play a crucial role in waste management but are often overlooked, with governments seeking solutions from external experts instead of recognising local efforts.

Meanwhile, Senior ANZPAC Program Manager Angela Myer says collaboration between communities, industries and the government, advocating for a system-wide approach instead of isolated efforts is important.

Professor of Transport Engineering and Director Global Research and Innovation Program at the University of New South Wales Professor Vinayak Dixit says while data and policies exist, urgency is lacking in their implementation.

He says while Fiji has laws and policies to address waste management, enforcement and immediate action are necessary to achieve real progress.