TOURISTS visiting hotspots in the Central Division have been left disillusioned by the state of filthy beachfront, particularly after the New Year celebrations.
Several visitors to Pacific Harbour this week were shocked and disappointed by the condition of the popular beachfront following the holiday festivities.
For many, including tourists staying at nearby resorts, the beach was the perfect place to ring in the new year, with locals bringing food and drinks to celebrate.
However, what remained afterward was a beach littered with garbage—bottles, plastics, food packaging, and other debris—a stark contrast to the image Fiji often projected.
Margie Spainhower, an American and avid scuba diver, expressed her dissatisfaction with the state of the beach and water.
She has been visiting Pacific Harbour annually for years but said this year’s pollution was among the worst she had seen.
“I come here annually. I stay for the winter and do 30 to 40 dives here,” Ms Spainhower told this newspaper.
“Over the last few years, I’ve noticed more rubbish in the water, but this year has to be one of the worst cases.
“Rubbish is everywhere, and it’s disgusting.
“It’s harmful to the environment and to the creatures under the sea.”
Ms Spainhower described some of the debris she’s encountered during her dives, including netting, ropes, plastics, tennis shoes, and even diapers.
“People don’t want to come here and dive and see trash.
“I think this could seriously impact tourism if nothing is done.”
Ms Spainhower said there is a need for education and intervention to address the problem.
“Education for the residents, their children, and the government would have a huge impact.
“Something needs to be done to resolve this issue.”
The state of Fiji’s beaches after festive periods is a recurring issue, particularly in areas like Pacific Harbour, which rely heavily on tourism.
While cleanup efforts are often initiated by residents and community groups, the scale of littering after the New Year celebrations has left many questioning the effectiveness of existing measures.
Piles of rubbish found across Pacific Harbour beach left by holiday spenders. Picture: JAKE WISE
