The Lautoka City Council has issued 46 litter offence penalty notices this year for bus leakages.
The council’s head of services, Shalend Singh, said the notices were part of a total of 239 bookings carried out in 2025.
Mr Singh said the leakages could be because of a number of factors such as aged buses, the poor condition of roads these companies service, the lack of preventive maintenance and servicing and lack of care from drivers while driving.
“Actually, oil leakage is considered dangerous litter under the Litter Act 2008,” he said.
“Oil runoffs from the bus station finally ends up in the sea causing pollution and affecting water quality as well as the flora and fauna in the marine environment.
“Oil leakages are also unsightly and pose serious risks of slips and falls.”
Mr Singh said leakages also impacted the condition of the bus station pavement.
He said the fixed penalty for the offence is $40, and that the council is pleading with the Environment Ministry to fast-track the review of fines under the Litter Act 2008.
“Currently, the fines are not a deterrent.
“The council has continued with its advocacy efforts and regular enforcement. However, the LTA needs to play a more active role.”
Mr Singh said the council would spend approximately $3million to upgrade the bus station, replacing the current surface with concrete pavement.
He sought the cooperation of bus companies to address the issue of leakages, so the new paved surface is maintained in a good condition.
