RESIDENTS of Pacific Harbour are voicing their frustration over the deteriorating state of the beachfront, which has been left littered with garbage and broken bottles after the festive season.
Local property owner Rohini Latchman, whose estate faces the beach, expressed her disappointment, and personally guided this newspaper along the shore to witness the extent of the issue.
The scene was troubling – cartons, plastic bottles, broken glass, and other waste strewn across the sand, forming unsightly piles left behind by holiday makers.
“People have been coming to this beach since Boxing Day and leaving their rubbish behind,” Ms Latchman said.
“If you take a walk along this beach, especially in front of my property, you will find cartons, plastics, bottles – every kind of rubbish.”
Ms Latchman highlighted the environmental hazards posed by the litter, explaining that the rising tide carries much of the waste into the ocean.
“There is no sense of responsibility. People don’t feel compelled to care about the cleanliness, let alone the environmental consequences of their actions.”
She noted that the main offenders appear to be visitors from outside Pacific Harbour.
“Throughout this week, we’ve had to deal with people sitting right in front of my house and leaving behind huge piles of rubbish.”
Despite reassurances from the Pacific Harbour police regarding increased patrols, Ms Latchman said their efforts had done little to curb the issue.
She is urging the Lami Town Council and the government to step in and implement long-term solutions to address the recurring problem.
“This shouldn’t be normal every year when the celebrations come around.
“We need a change, and we need it now.”
The situation has prompted residents to question who holds responsibility for beach clean-ups and has sparked calls for stricter enforcement of anti-littering regulations to preserve the environment and uphold Pacific Harbor’s reputation as a pristine tourist destination.
The Fiji Times has contacted the Lami Town Council regarding the matter.
However, questions sent weeks ago, before the situation escalated, remain unanswered.
