FIJI’S waste system is set for major upgrades after the Government confirmed that the second phase of the Sustainable Waste Actions in the Pacific Project is now formally underway.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Mosese Bulitavu told Parliament the initiative was crucial.
“Waste management and pollution control remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges faced in Fiji,” he said.
He said rising waste volumes, oil and grease pollution, strained landfill capacity and climate-related disruptions continued to place pressure on national systems. Mr Bulitavu said SWAPP II was funded by the French Agency for Development and implemented by the secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme. It will support nine Pacific countries from 2025 to 2028.
The project will strengthen national waste policies, improve waste services and build long term capacity in the sector.
For Fiji, the program will support marine litter reduction, improve used oil management, add three new trash booms and expand community recycling and composting.
Fiji’s participation was formalised through a letter of agreement signed on November 3.
“Under this agreement, Fiji is allocated €292,000 ($F770,471) for national activities,” he said, adding all funds would be managed by SPREP.
Mr Bulitavu said preparatory discussions with SPREP had started, with training, surveys, infrastructure support and community activities expected to begin in February next year.
He said the project offered a timely opportunity to reduce pollution risks and support Fiji’s transition to a more circular waste system.
