MINISTER FOR INFORMATION, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE, HON. LYNDA TABUYA'S ADDRESS AT THE LAUNCH OF THE TRASHBOOM INITIATIVE IN SIGATOKA TOWN

CEO Sigatoka Town Council,
Community    leaders,    development    partners,    environmental organisations, and municipal council representatives,
Members of the media, and members of the public who have joined us for this important occasion.

Bula vinaka and good afternoon.
 
It is my pleasure to officially launch this trashboom installation today. This is a practical step forward in Fiji’s effort to reduce litter, strengthen waste management, and protect our rivers and oceans.

This trashboom is simple but powerful. It stops waste before it reaches the ocean. What we have seen from other sites is clear — our rivers are carrying everything from plastics and diapers to electronic waste and household rubbish. This is not accidental. It is a result of poor choices.

But today is not just about stopping waste. It is about understanding it. The data collected from this system will directly inform our National Plastics Inventory and help us target the real sources of pollution.

This is our third Trashboom under UNEP support, with two more to follow. Government is not stopping there — we will fund a further five installations nationally, scaling this solution where it is needed most.

At the same time, Government is stepping up enforcement. Amendments to the Litter Act are underway. These will strengthen penalties, close legal gaps, and ensure that both individuals and businesses are held accountable.

We are also introducing systemic change. The Container Deposit Scheme will create real incentives to return and recycle. The Integrated Waste Management Strategy will shift Fiji towards a full lifecycle approach, which in essence means reducing, recovering, and managing waste properly.

Infrastructure is also part of the solution. We are progressing plans for a new waste facility in the Western Division and upgrading existing dumpsites. Fiji must move beyond outdated systems.

But laws and infrastructure alone will not solve this. Behaviour must change.

Our “Do the Right Thing” campaign is a simple message — responsibility starts with each of us. From our homes to our communities, waste is a personal responsibility before it becomes a government issue.

We are taking this into schools, communities, and enforcement. Over 370 Litter Prevention Officers have already been trained, including police and LTA officers. Enforcement will be visible and consistent.

Today also reflects the power of partnership. Government, communities, and partners have come together to make this happen. That is how real change happens.

Let this not just be a launch. Let it be a reminder of our responsibility to the environment.

Protecting our environment is not a one-day effort. It is a daily decision.

Vinaka vakalevu