This is the message from Nasinu Town Council Senior Health Inspector Losalini Baikeirewa, who says plastic waste dumped in communities, rivers and waterways is not only an environmental issue but also a threat to public health.
Speaking to fijivillage News at the Fiji Plastics Transition Action Plan Co-Design Workshop, where stakeholders discussed challenges and possible solutions to plastic waste in Fiji, Baikeirewa highlighted that one of the biggest challenges remains changing the mindset of people, despite years of continuous and mass awareness programmes.
INSERT: Baikeirewa on changing mindset 20th Aug
She also highlights concerns about the materials used in food packaging, saying more attention needs to be given to packaging and not only the contents of food products.
She says people need to be more aware of the chemical contents of packaging, where it is manufactured and the potential health impacts associated with it.
Baikeirewa says illegal dumping is another major challenge facing Fiji where people dump rubbish in open spaces, along roadsides and in waterways, particularly at night or during weekends when enforcement may be limited.
She says rubbish that ends up in rivers and waterways can block drainage systems during heavy rain and contribute to flooding in communities.
Baikeirewa believes the solution starts at home, with parents, children, elders and community members being taught about their responsibility to properly dispose of waste.
She says businesses must also take responsibility, as some businesses continue to fail to safely dispose of their rubbish.
According to Baikeirewa, stronger collaboration between government, businesses, private sector organisations and communities is needed.
She says increasing penalties for littering could also help deter people from breaking the law.
She believes the increase in the littering fine from $40 to $200 could have a deterrent effect on individuals, but says businesses and corporate bodies should face stricter penalties.
However, Baikeirewa says enforcement alone will not solve illegal dumping.
She believes members of the public, businesses and communities need to help identify offenders and work with authorities to address illegal dumping.
She remains confident that Fiji can overcome its waste management challenges, saying the Government and other stakeholders are increasing awareness and working in communities, while efforts are also being made to strengthen penalties.
