Improper household waste management is a contributor to flooding - FRA

The Fiji Roads Authority says improper household waste management has a drastic impact on our environment and is a great contributor towards flooding.

The FRA says improper disposing of household waste is one of the main environmental pollutants worldwide and a serious problem faced in Fiji.

They say from tossing rubbish on the side of the road to dumping household waste materials into water bodies, improper waste disposal and careless disposal of waste materials, such as rubbish, recyclables, or hazardous substances, can have severe repercussions for both our well-being and the environment which is a contributing factor to the recurring surface flooding around the country.

FRA says they have also noted a significant amount of waste blocking drains, culverts and streams, which disrupts water flow and causes surface flooding.

The Authority says they are working closely with respective councils to facilitate the clearing of blocked drains and culverts regularly, however, they request assistance from the public to ensure effective waste disposal.

They say effective household waste management requires combined efforts of public education, infrastructure development, and policy implementation therefore they encourage individuals to help promote proper waste management at the household level.