A review is currently underway to increase penalties in order to encourage responsible waste disposal and change public behaviour.
This was highlighted by the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change in response to questions from fijivillage News regarding residents in Nasinu dumping rubbish in areas recently cleared by the Nasinu Town Council.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change also noted that current fines are widely considered inadequate.
When questioned by fijivillage News about whether Litter Enforcement training for Police and Land Transport Authority officers could curb illegal dumping in Nasinu hotspot areas, despite regular clean-ups, Dr Michael says that stronger enforcement is crucial to creating a culture of deterrence.
Dr Michael adds that informal settlements often lack adequate waste disposal facilities, which contributes to widespread dumping.
He further explains that the Ministry is collaborating with town councils, the Ministry of Education, and other relevant partners to identify the necessary facilities to address this issue.
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