Trashboom Pacific has installed a new trash boom system in Musuniwai Creek, Lautoka this week, aimed at reducing plastic pollution and debris from reaching the ocean.
The trash boom initiative is a nationwide, community-driven project led by Trashboom Pacific and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Environment Lynda Tabuya said the Musuniwai Creek had a serious waste pollution problem.
“When wastes enter the Musuniwai Creek it does not disappear, so it blocks our waterways, it affects our public health and pollutes the environment,” she said.
“Study shows that by 2030 there maybe more plastics than fish in the ocean.
“When you think about that and comprehend that it is a worrying problem for us and 2030 is only four years away.
“This is why government is one of the partners in doing this initiative together.”
Trashboom Pacific environmental data analyst Bernadette Thomasina said trash boom was a tool and not a cure for pollution.
“The real solution lies with all of us. To our upstream communities, we are here to partner with you. We simply ask this ‘bin it right’. Please stop informal dumping.
“Our river gives us life, let us give it respect.”
Ms Thomasina said every PET bottle and beverage can collected would go to the Lautoka City Council’s Return and Earn Initiative.
“So, waste becomes worth, recycled, not discarded.”
The trash boom system installed in Lautoka became Fiji’s 14th overall, following last month’s launch in Labasa.
