TOWN councils in Sigatoka, Nadi, Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki along with the Lautoka City Council have implemented their own forms of composting programs with assistance from the Japanese Technical Cooperation for Promotion of Regional Initiative on Solid Waste Management.

Known as J-PRISM, experts and volunteers are working in conjunction with the Ministry of Local Government to highlight the effective form of waste management.

JICA Fiji representative Hiroyuki Sawada said the progress made in each municipality was promising as Fiji moved towards a greener and cleaner environment.

“People are assuming more responsibility for their environment and making conscious efforts to dispose of waste correctly.

“Our project and its messages have produced results as we see a positive change in peoples’ mindset.”

Mr Sawada added councils must continuously educate and encourage its residents to maintain the practice.

“In order to ensure that such good practice continues authorities should continually work with the local communities to educate, create awareness and monitor the situation to see areas that need improvement.

“It is very encouraging to witness the level of commitment and support rendered by the Government, private sector as well as the general public towards the awareness campaign in Fiji.”

He added that Labasa Town Council had implemented a composting program through its own initiative, with support provided by a JICA volunteer and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme.