Waste Management Archives - Lautoka City Council

Recyclers deserve respect and recognition, not handouts

admin — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 20:32:28 +0000

In a significant shift for the local recycling sector, the Pacific Recyclers Alliance has recently gained formal recognition, marking a critical step forward for grassroots recycling advocates.

This acknowledgment underscores the pivotal role of informal waste collectors, or ‘Collection Pillars of Recycling’ (CPRs), who handle up to 60% of recyclables in Fiji and the region.

Amitesh Deo from the Secretariat for the Pacific Recyclers Alliance said the focus was clear, CPRs, who are often marginalised and face significant stigma, need respect and structured support rather than mere charity.

“Recyclers don’t need handouts; they need recognition and respect from the public,” Deo stated emphatically.

He believes this is a matter of providing these individuals with the dignity and support they deserve including essentials like personal protective equipment (PPE), safety boots, rain gear, and access to facilities such as washrooms.

“[The] recognition achieved at the 4^th Clean Pacific Round Table (CPRT) held in Tuvalu showed that our voices are finally being heard,” Deo stated.

“The support for the role of the Collection Pillars of Recycling in the CPRT outcomes is a significant victory for the thousands of individuals engaged in the collection of recyclables across Fiji and other Pacific nations. This recognition validates the hard work and dedication of these communities, who are essential to the region’s recycling and waste management efforts.”

The CPRT also marked a historic moment with the formal recognition of the term “Collection Pillars of Recycling” (CPR), a term originally coined by a group of women in Vunato, Lautoka, in 2022.

The term was introduced during workshops organized by the Pacific Recycling Foundation in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, and Lautoka City Council. These workshops sought to replace the negative connotations associated with “informal waste pickers” with a more dignified and empowering identity.

The Pacific Recyclers Alliance, with Fiji serving as the Secretariat, is in the process of formalising its structure. Key steps include drafting a constitution, formal registration, and establishing a framework for collaboration among member countries. The Alliance will also focus on enhancing local waste management practices through knowledge sharing and implementation of best practices across the region.

One of the most pressing issues, according to Deo, is the need to move beyond mere discussion and to implement actionable solutions. The Alliance is committed to ensuring that research and policy discussions lead to real-world changes in waste management and recycling practices.

“Local communities and CPRs are beginning to see the impact of this new recognition, although the full effects are still unfolding.

Deo noted a sense of cautious optimism among CPRs, who view this recognition as a long-awaited victory in their ongoing struggle for dignity and respect.

As the Pacific Recyclers Alliance continues to build momentum, it aims to leverage global recycling days and other initiatives to further elevate the role of CPRs and drive systemic change in recycling practices.

The secretariat office in Suva is planning to extend its work to other Pacific Island Countries with Solomon Islands and Vanuatu first on the list.

The newly formed Pacific Recyclers Alliance, which now integrates six national recyclers associations, aims to streamline and enhance waste management and pollution control efforts across the Pacific region.

The Clean Pacific Round Table also encouraged Pacific Island Countries and Territories to establish National Recyclers Associations and to expand their membership and representation within the Pacific Recyclers Alliance.

Deo affirmed the Pacific Recyclers Alliance’s commitment to continuing its advocacy and support for CPR and grassroots recycling organisations throughout the Pacific.

“Our work is far from over,” Deo concluded. “We remain dedicated to supporting and amplifying the efforts of grassroots recyclers as we work together toward a more sustainable future.”

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Lautoka City Council Free Environment Clean Up Campaign to Foster a Greener Community

admin — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 21:51:00 +0000

In an effort to promote environmental consciousness and cleanliness, the Lautoka City Council has announced the commencement of the highly anticipated “Free Environment Clean Up Campaign.” Scheduled to run from July 29, 2024, to September 6, 2024, this initiative aims to engage residents in a collective effort to enhance the cleanliness and sustainability of Lautoka City. With a focus on residential areas, the campaign encourages citizens to actively participate in thorough compound clean-ups, while also providing guidelines for the responsible disposal of various waste materials.

Key Points:

Promoting Cleanliness:

Under the “Free Environment Clean Up Campaign,” Lautoka City residents are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to diligently clean their compounds. By removing items that may serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes or contribute to environmental pollution, such as cans, bottles, tires, coconut shells, and household utensils, residents can contribute to a cleaner and safer living environment for all.
Residential Focus:

The campaign emphasizes the importance of waste management in residential areas. It includes the removal of backyard waste, including tree branches, materials that facilitate mosquito breeding, grass, and tires. It is crucial to note that the campaign does not cover industrial refuse, trade waste, or commercial refuse. However, commercial and industrial waste owners have the option to transport their refuse to the Vunato Disposal Site, where the council may waive disposal fees with prior approval. Alternatively, a nominal fee can be paid to the council for removal.

3. Collection Guidelines:

To ensure effective waste removal, residents are advised to adhere to specific collection guidelines. The collection team will pass through the streets once, so it is essential to place refuse out for collection before the designated dates or before the truck arrives in the area. Failure to do so may result in the council not being responsible for the removal of refuse placed after the scheduled collection. Cooperation from residents in adhering to the guidelines will ensure a smooth and efficient clean-up process.

Please ensure to place all refuse (ONLY 3-5 days) prior to the Collection Dates

4. Responsible Disposal and Fines:

Proper disposal practices are crucial throughout the campaign. Residents are reminded to avoid abandoning or littering refuse inappropriately, as this may result in a spot fine of $40.00 under the Litter Promulgation 2008. To prevent any damages and inconvenience, it is advised to place the refuse for removal in a convenient location that does not obstruct fire hydrants, water valves, water meters, sewerage chambers, telephone, and electrical pillar boxes. Blocking driveways or access ways should also be avoided.

The “Free Environment Clean Up Campaign” represents an exciting opportunity for Lautoka City residents to actively contribute to a greener and more sustainable community. By embracing this initiative and following the guidelines set forth by the Lautoka City Council, citizens can play a pivotal role in maintaining a cleaner living environment and mitigating potential health risks associated with improper waste disposal. Let’s come together, demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship, and make Lautoka City shine as a beacon of cleanliness and sustainability.

The council will continue to provide “user pay” service for those who intend to clear refuse outside the tentative timetable at nominal costs per load.

Wards and Street Names:

WAIYAVI WARD

SIMLA WARD

TAVAKUBU WARD

VEITARI WARD

WAIYAVI WARD

SIMLA WARD

TAVAKUBU WARD

VEITARI WARD

For any other enquiries, please contact Lautoka City Council on 666 0433 or Head of Services on 9908553 or Manager Health Services on 9908485 or Team Leader Assets on 9908554.

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Developing capacity for post-typhoon disaster waste management in Lautoka, Fiji and Makati, Philippines

admin — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 03:57:10 +0000

In recent years, Asia and the Pacific have been ravaged by strong typhoons that caused widespread destruction. The powerful winds from these typhoons ripped off roofs, windows, doors and walls from houses, and destroyed trees and other vegetation, leaving a vast amount of wooden, metallic, plastic, and glass debris and waste scattered across a wide area. Proper management of disaster waste is a critical task during the initial phase of disaster recovery. It is essential for coastal cities that are frequently affected by typhoons to have adequate capacity for post-disaster waste management.

This capacity development project aimed to contribute to this end by providing appropriate knowledge and training to government and non-government stakeholders. The project was implemented in Lautoka City, Fiji and Makati City, Philippines, with the support of four prominent universities. In total, six training sessions were conducted under the project. The primary outputs of this project are the disaster waste management contingency plans of the two participating cities. The project team disseminated information about the capacity development project through the project website and through presentations in academic conferences, webinars, workshops, training, non-academic conferences, and radio guest appearances.

APN Science Bulletin – Technical Report
(2023, Volume 13, Issue 1, 153–162, e-ISSN 2522-7971)

Lautoka City Council Disaster Waste Management Contingency Plan

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Lautoka City Council Boosts Litter Prevention Efforts with Training for New Officers

admin — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 20:29:58 +0000

Lautoka City Council recently conducted an in-house training session for its newly recruited Litter Prevention Officers on April 4, 2024, at the Council Chambers. Led by Acting Head of Services Rouhit Singh and Acting Manager Health Services Shalend Singh, the training aimed to equip officers with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively enforce anti-litter laws and regulations.

The comprehensive training covered various aspects, including the Litter Act 2008, enforcement provisions, citizen awareness initiatives, evidence gathering techniques, issuance of Litter Offence Notices, and court procedures. With three full-time Litter Prevention Officers now in place, the Council is poised to intensify its anti-litter enforcement campaigns, particularly during early morning and evening hours.

Citizens are advised to adhere to anti-litter laws, as violators found littering in public places or burning waste will face fines. This includes individuals who disregard garbage collection schedules or improperly dispose of garbage on roadsides after collection.

Citizens are requested to cooperate with the council in keeping the city clean and beautiful. Council has been creating awareness to citizens regarding problems resulting from littering and open burning of rubbish. There is need to refrain from littering as it pollutes our environment and becomes an eye sore.

Citizens are reminded to adopt following environmental friendly practices:

Make use of the public litter bins for discharging rubbish whilst in the city;
Refrain from littering in drains/creeks, roads, parks, market, bus stand, footpaths etc;
Put a stop to burning of rubbish;
Use councils garbage collection and bulky refuse collection services for discharge of household.
Refrain from sweeping wastes from shops and offices onto councils footpaths and streets.
Place garbage in proper bins with tight fitting lids to avoid scattering by stray dogs.
Place garbage for collection by 7.00 am for residential areas and by 8.00am for commercial and industrial areas.

Citizens are further advised that anyone found littering in public places will be issued with “on the spot fixed penalty notice of $40.00” without any further warning. Failure to pay fixed penalty will result in legal action against offenders.

Council therefore seek cooperation of all citizens to adopt environment friendly initiatives like practice recycling, composting, use of eco bags when shopping, stop burning of wastes and refrain from littering.

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Lautoka City Council Honors Schools for Environmental Excellence in 2023 Clean Schools Program

admin — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 03:38:21 +0000

The Lautoka City Council’s Health Department recently hosted a prestigious awards ceremony at RSL Hall, Tavewa Avenue, Lautoka, to recognize the outstanding achievements of schools participating in the 2023 Clean Schools Program (CPS).

Key Highlights:

During the event, crucial waste management issues were brought to the forefront, with an estimated daily waste generation of 91.7 tons in LCC. Comparative studies revealed a significant reduction in household waste generation rates from 880 grams per person per day in 2009 to 326 grams per person per day in 2022.

Out of the 50 schools in Lautoka, an impressive 35 actively participated in CPS 2023, with 22 located in urban areas and 13 in rural settings.

Acknowledging a Decade of Progress:

The Chief Guest and Special Administrator of LCC, Mr. Joeli Waqa, highlighted the long-standing impact of the Clean School Program, emphasizing its implementation for the past 12 years (except in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Mr. Waqa acknowledged the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and its Volunteer, Nozomi San, for initiating and developing the Clean School Program in 2010 in collaboration with Nadi and Lautoka Municipal Councils.

Addressing Environmental Challenges:

Mr. Rouhit Karan Singh, Acting Head of Services, emphasized the severity of waste management issues and the potential repercussions on the environment if not properly addressed. He stressed the significance of small daily practices in making a substantial difference.

Objectives of the Clean School Program:

The CPS, organized to introduce a 3R-centric system in schools, aims to:

Provide schools with the opportunity to initiate proper waste management.
Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Attain maximum practical benefits from products while generating the minimum amount of waste.
Target children to create awareness of waste minimization in schools, homes, and communities.

3R Concept Defined:

The 3R concept involves reducing waste generation at the source, reusing items to extend their life cycle, and recycling used materials to produce new products.

Challenges Faced and the Way Forward:

While celebrating the successes of CPS, the Health Inspector, Mithun Prasad highlighted the challenges that emerged during the program, including a lack of understanding of its basic concepts, monitoring issues, and struggles with waste reduction, composting, and recycling in schools.

Moving forward, schools are recognized as pivotal in educating children on achieving a healthy and sustainable environment. School composting, a major CPS component, significantly reduces waste and can generate income for schools.

Objectives of the Initiative:

Give schools the opportunity to initiate proper waste management.
Target children to create awareness of waste minimization in homes and communities.

The Clean Schools Program focuses on elevating the environmental consciousness of children, considering them effective agents of change. The initiative aims to instill good practices in their lives, inspiring them to champion environmental cleanliness as they grow into leaders.

2023 Judging Results

RURAL			URBAN
Overall Winner	Lovu Sangam Primary School	Trophy	Overall Winner	Lautoka Arya Samaj Primary School	Trophy
Overall Runner-up	Raviravi Sangam Primary School	Trophy	Overall Runner-up	Lautoka Andhra Primary School	Trophy
Environmental Awareness
Overall Winner	Raviravi Sangam Primary School	Trophy	Overall Winner	Lautoka Arya Samaj Primary School	Trophy
Overall Runner-up	Lovu Sangam Primary School	Trophy	Overall Runner-up	Lautoka Andhra Primary School	Trophy
Composting
Overall Winner	Lovu Sangam Primary School	Trophy	Overall Winner	Lautoka Arya Samaj Primary School	Trophy
Overall Runner-up	Raviravi Sangam Primary School	Trophy	Overall Runner-up	Lautoka Muslim College	Trophy
Recycling
Overall Winner	Lovu Sangam Primary School	Trophy	Overall Winner	Lautoka Arya Samaj Primary School	Trophy
Overall Runner-up	Sathya Sai Primary School	Trophy	Overall Runner-up	Lautoka Zhong Hua Primary School	Trophy

Images from the event:

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Collaborative Effort Enhances Food Safety Monitoring in Lautoka

admin — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 04:44:53 +0000

The Lautoka City Council’s Health department and the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) have embarked on a joint surveillance and monitoring campaign of local supermarkets to ensure the safety and suitability of food products. This comprehensive initiative, launched yesterday, is designed to create awareness and safeguard the quality of food items during the upcoming festive season and beyond.

In a proactive move, eight supermarkets within the Lautoka area have undergone meticulous inspections, with the aim of maintaining the highest standards of food safety. Any supermarkets found operating under unsanitary conditions will receive abatement notices, as stipulated under the Food Safety Act of 2003.

Moreover, these collaborative efforts extend beyond mere inspections. Supermarkets have also been alerted to any additional violations, and food products deemed unfit for human consumption have been promptly condemned for destruction, ensuring the well-being of consumers.

The initiative commenced following a comprehensive briefing by both the Lautoka City Council’s Health department and the FCCC, reflecting their shared commitment to safeguarding public health. The joint surveillance and monitoring campaign will be an ongoing effort, extending into the coming months.

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Have civic pride, residents urged

admin — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 21:47:24 +0000

The Lautoka City Council is pleading with residents to have some civic pride and use proper rubbish bins with tight lids to dispose garbage.

The plea follows reports of rubbish continually seen in drains and along major residential areas during allocated garbage collection days.

Council chief executive officer Mohammed Anees Khan said people needed to do the right thing and dispose their litter appropriately.

“The council humbly requests cooperation of all citizens in having civic pride and join hands in keeping our city clean and healthy by doing the right thing and place all litter in the appropriate bins for collection by LCC,” Mr Khan said.

“Promote civic pride by practising yourself, encouraging others and report uncivic behaviour to appropriate authorities.

“Love your pets, have them duly licensed, and do not let them become stray. De-sex or neuter your pets so they don’t multiply out of control.”

Lautoka Residents and Ratepayers Association president Narayan Reddy said Lautoka had always been known for its cleanliness, however, this seemed to have deteriorated in recent years.

Mr Reddy said the onus was on the city residents to practice basic hygiene measures.

“The bins are provided but people don’t use them,” he said.

“When the council announces the free clean-up campaign, residents put out their rubbish after their allocated date and this adds to the many litter lying scattered.

“Please take pride in our environment and dispose rubbish accordingly.”

Source: The Fiji Times | 19 September, 2023

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Danam Fiji Limited Promotes Composting.

admin — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 03:44:24 +0000

Lautoka City Councils Manager Health Services- Rouhit Karan Singh created awareness to Danam Fiji Ltd in Lautoka on composting as part of it Waste Minimization and Recycling. Danam Fiji Limited bought two compost bins which was set by the council.

General Manager -Ranjit Lal said that with over 550 workers in their factory and having a foodshop, he has seen that there are kitchen and food waste generated which can be converted into compost.

The factory will minimize the amount of waste reaching the Landfill Site and on the other hand will allow workers to be more environment friendly.

Rouhit Singh thanked Danam Fiji Limited for their waste recycling initiative and highlighted that about 68 percent of waste generated are organic and can be recycled into compost.

There are huge benefits of composting as food waste contains nitrogen and carbon and with the help of microorganisms, the compost materials are broken down easily.

The workers whilst practicing on the factory will generate more interests and produce compost for factory garden.

It will also help in waste reduction reaching Landfill Site and extend life of Landfill.

The council will monitor the compost bin management at regular intervals.

All in all, Danam Fiji Limited has demonstrated strong commitment towards sustainable environment practices which is very much appreciated.

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Manager Health Services Represents Lautoka City Council at Sathya Sai School to Create Awareness on Environment Day

admin — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 20:33:35 +0000

On July 7, 2023, Manager Health Services, Mr. Rouhit Karan Singh, proudly represented the Lautoka City Council as a guest at the Sathya Sai School to raise awareness on Environment Day. The event was a resounding success, with a significant turnout of teachers, students, parents, and school management.

This year, the event focused on the theme “Solutions to Plastic Pollution.” The alarming fact that more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with 50% intended for single-use, was highlighted. It is clear that our world is overwhelmed and suffocated by plastic.

The slogan for Environment Day 2023, “Green Today, Clean Tomorrow! Our Planet, Our Responsibility,” encapsulates the essence of the event. World Environment Day is a global platform to inspire positive change, engaging in activities such as clean-up campaigns, tree planting drives, and raising community awareness. By collaborating with like-minded individuals, we aim to address pressing environmental issues and implement sustainable solutions.

A strong message resonated throughout the event: “Let’s stop harming nature; let’s stop polluting it.” The importance of safeguarding the trees planted by our ancestors and continuing their legacy by planting new ones for future generations was emphasized. Protecting our planet starts with each and every one of us. Through simple actions such as reducing, reusing, and recycling, volunteering for cleanups, creating awareness, and planting trees, we can make a meaningful impact on the environment and secure a better future for generations to come.

Mr. Singh also shed light on the growing waste issues in Lautoka City. The council takes pride in organizing the Clean Schools Program (CSP), which promotes the concept of waste minimization among children, teachers, parents, and management in local schools. He commended the Sathya Sai School for their participation and acknowledged their impressive record as winners of the CSP for the past five years.

The event served as a call to action, encouraging attendees to commit to care for our environment, cease using plastics, plant trees, and spread awareness. Mother Nature herself pleads, “Dear Human! If you don’t destroy me, I will take care of you by providing food, shelter, clean water, and oxygen for a better and healthier life.”

As responsible stewards of the Earth, let us respond to this humble plea and take immediate action to protect and preserve our environment. The Lautoka City Council reaffirms its commitment to environmental leadership and urges everyone to join the cause. Together, we can ensure a sustainable future for our planet.

About Lautoka City Council:

The Lautoka City Council is committed to promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life for its residents. The council aims to address environmental challenges through various initiatives and programs and create a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant city.

Contact:

Name: Rohitesh Narayan
Title: Digital Communications Officer
Organization: Lautoka City Council
Email: rohitesh@lautokacitycouncil.com.fj
Phone: 9925727

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Lautoka City Council Tracks Down Litter Offender, Sends Stern Warning to Offenders

admin — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 21:10:06 +0000

In a commendable effort to combat illegal dumping, the Health Department of Lautoka City Council has successfully identified and tracked down a litter offender who had illegally deposited household waste along Abaca Roadside. The discovery was made during routine monitoring of hotspot sites notorious for illegal dumping in the rural extended areas. It is worth noting that this particular area had recently been cleaned by the council.

Thanks to the meticulous investigation carried out by the Health Department, the offender was traced using names found on exercise books and other discarded documents at the site. The council ensured that the waste was promptly cleared by the offender and appropriately disposed of at the landfill.

To emphasize the seriousness of the offense, the litter offender was issued a Litter Offence Fix Penalty notice, imposing a $40.00 spot fine. The offender is required to pay the fine within 21 days, failure of which legal action will be taken.

The Lautoka City Council intends to send a strong message to all potential litter offenders, emphasizing that anyone caught littering will face the full brunt of the law. Additionally, the council urges citizens to join hands in keeping Lautoka City clean and healthy, fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

By taking swift action against litter offenders, the Lautoka City Council aims to preserve the beauty of the city and create a healthier environment for its residents.

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