Children of the Lagilagi Settlement in Jittu Estate area in Suva have taken the lead in keeping their community clean by collecting litter from around their neighbourhood, including rubbish discarded in roadside drains.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Lynda Tabuya says the future of Fiji’s environment begins in homes and communities, and children can inspire others to take responsibility for protecting their surroundings and oceans.
Tabuya handed over recyclable bags, gloves and hand sanitiser to the children to support their community clean-up campaign.
She says it was disappointing to see rubbish scattered around a large waste bin despite clear signage reminding people to dispose of their waste responsibly.
Tabuya says civic pride begins at home, and people cannot expect others to keep their communities clean if they do not take responsibility themselves.
She says rubbish thrown onto the ground or into drains can eventually end up in rivers and oceans, harming marine life and the environment.
The Minister also encouraged parents to teach responsible waste disposal at home and asked children to respectfully encourage others to do the right thing when they see people littering.
During the visit, Tabuya also handed over three solar-powered street lights donated by Marie Dewulf and her family and supplied by Poly Products for the community sports court.
