When permanent secretary for Environment Dr Sivendra Michael said a review of the Litter Act will focus on making fines stronger and more effective, he will no doubt attract the attention of all those already frustrated about the lack of concern shown by litterbugs!
He believes the current penalties are “very insignificant” to deter offenders.
Now that is saying quite a lot about how we are dealing with litterbugs!
While the current fine structure ranges from $40 to $5000, depending on the nature of the litter and whether it’s committed by an individual or a corporation, Dr Michael rightly points out the punishment does not match the crime.
So in saying that, we say, if people and businesses can afford to be careless simply because the cost of a fine is negligible or enforcement is weak, then we must do better.
Dr Michael’s push for photographic evidence to be admissible in enforcing fines is a forward-thinking approach. Why should enforcement officers be bound to catching someone red-handed when technology offers us the tools to hold offenders accountable?
But even as the Government takes important steps to improve the legal framework, we believe there is a far more critical layer to this issue, and that’s personal responsibility. We cannot legislate our way to a clean and safe environment without the cooperation of the people.
The truth is that real change starts with us as individuals. We must nurture a culture where disposing of rubbish thoughtfully is the norm. Every piece of plastic left behind, every leaking sewer ignored, every electronic waste item dumped are not just environmental problems, they are moral ones.
Walk along the Suva foreshore and you will notice the indiscriminate disposal of rubbish. People take out time to visit the foreshore, have their meal, and carelessly dispose their rubbish. Notice how rubbish is thrown on the ground or left on tables near rubbish bins. It is frustrating and people must held accountable for their actions!
We hope every Fijians will be part of the solution, not because we are afraid of fines, but because we value the land and sea that sustain us. And we are thoughtful because we want to leave behind a nation we can be proud of for our children and grandchildren.
The responsibility to protect our environment is not just the Government’s, it is ours too.
Littering is an act of disrespect to our environment, to our fellow citizens, and to future generations.
We say the review of the Litter Act is a positive step, but without public buy-in, even the strongest laws may not be enough.
This is our country. This is our future.
Now we are talking!
