Fiji Medical Association Treasurer Dr Ahmed Shakeel Shariff says Fijians cannot proudly call Fiji home while continuing to litter and damage the very environment they claim to love.
Dr Shariff says it is difficult to understand why some people continue to dump rubbish on beaches, streets and in their neighbourhoods when rubbish simply belongs in a rubbish bin.
Insert: Shariff on Noqu Viti, Noqu Kalou 16th Aug 26
He says littering is damaging the beautiful and serene environment Fiji is known for and could deny future generations the opportunity to enjoy the same surroundings that people enjoy today.
Dr Shariff says rubbish also makes the environment dangerous for children to play and run around in and is making the country that people describe as heaven “not so heavenly”.
He is urging authorities to ensure there are sufficient rubbish bins in municipal areas and that rubbish is properly and regularly collected.
Dr Shariff says waste management should not only cover general rubbish but green waste as well, as people need proper collection services to keep their homes and yards clean.
He says keeping communities clean is also important for public health and can help prevent diseases, viruses and mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue.
Dr Shariff is also calling on parents to teach their children not to throw rubbish and says adults must practise what they teach by disposing of their own rubbish properly.
He says people should also demand timely action from the relevant authorities when rubbish bins are not cleared or cleaned, or when bins are damaged and need attention.
Dr Shariff adds that littering and waste management remain major problems in the country, and protecting Fiji requires people to take responsibility for their own actions.
