The Government of Japan has approved a grant of approximately $12.5 million to strengthen waste management services across Fiji.
The Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement were signed at the Ministry of Local Government in Suva under Japan’s 2025 Economic and Social Development Programme.
Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa says the funding comes at a critical time as urban growth increases waste volumes and demand for cleaner living environments.
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He adds that this equipment will be distributed to all 13 municipal councils to improve collection services and address issues such as ageing equipment and high maintenance costs.
Nalumisa says the support will improve service efficiency, expand collection coverage, reduce downtime, enhance worker safety and support compliance with environmental and health standards.
He adds that this aligns with government plans to modernise waste management, including the Western Division landfill project focused on long-term sustainability.
In the current financial year, he explains that the Government has also allocated $590,000 for Rural Local Authorities and $3.2 million for Municipal Councils to further strengthen waste collection services.
Japan’s Deputy Head of Mission, Isami Takada, says the assistance supports Fiji’s capacity to respond to challenges posed by urbanisation, climate change and pressure on landfills.
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Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Fiji Resident Representative, Yumi Kimura, says Japan has supported Fiji’s waste sector since 2008 through technical projects like the 3R Project and J-PRISM.
Over 30 JICA volunteers have contributed, and training programmes in Japan have helped build local capacity.
Both governments say the new equipment will help build cleaner, healthier communities and further strengthen Fiji–Japan ties.
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