NASINU Town Council’s chief executive officer Felix Magnus has called for tougher laws and stricter fines to tackle illegal dumping, which he says is affecting the environment and communities.
He says businesses have also worsened the situation by illegally dumping their waste, knowing that fines are as low as $40 compared to the $400 they would spend to legally cart and dump their waste at the Naboro Landfill.
“Illegal dumping and littering are the causes of widespread environmental impact,” Mr Magnus said.
“No initiative alone will change people’s behaviour. Only stronger laws can do that.”
He urged the Government to go further by criminalising illegal dumping and hold offenders accountable.
“Here is Fiji we have a waste crisis, and it needs to be taken onboard and addressed at national level whereby the laws are changed to be stricter and harsher.”
He explained that many people from outside local settlements are dumping their waste into bins and other areas meant for residents.
“This has become a major problem for our communities.”
Since taking office, Mr Magnus has also worked to address nearly $14million in unpaid rates.
He said some have paid up but owners of ageing properties and many other residents are yet to pay their dues.
Mr Magnus said the council was preparing for upcoming local government elections, aiming to ensure towns remain clean, safe, and well-managed.
He called on the Ministry of Environment and Government authorities to impose harsh possible fines for illegal dumping.
