SUVA, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) — Fiji will implement stronger penalties and enforcement against littering from September this year, according to a senior official on Tuesday.
Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya on Tuesday updated parliament on the Litter (Amendment) Act 2026 and the National Integrated Waste Management and Pollution Control Strategy, saying that following the completion of the gazettal process, the fixed penalty for littering will increase from 40 Fijian dollars (around 18 U.S. dollars) to 200 Fijian dollars, five times the previous amount.
The new rates will take effect on Sept. 1.
Tabuya said the ultimate purpose is to change behavior through accountability and deterrence.
She said that the government is strengthening the network of litter prevention officers, including officers from municipal councils, the Fiji Police Force and the Land Transport Authority.
“They will be trained in identifying offenses, gathering evidence and properly issuing fixed penalty notices,” Tabuya said. “We will track how many notices are issued, where offenses are occurring and whether behavior is changing.”
