Department of Environment to train more enforcement officers to monitor littering

Following concerns on the lack of enforcement officers monitoring littering around Towns and Cities, the Permanent Secretary for Local Government Joshua Wycliffe says that the Department of Environment is in the process of training and positioning more officers who will carry out the monitoring.

The Permanent Secretary has also confirmed that a spot fine of $40 remains and they will strengthen their visibility.

Wycliffe says that awareness programmes will be carried out by the Ministry of Local Government in light of the increasing illegal disposal of rubbish in towns and cities across the country.

The Permanent Secretary adds that while issuing fines deter people, it is equally important to carry out more awareness.

He adds that this does not mean that they will not issue fines however, awareness will raise accountability before they issue penalties.

The Ministry is now working with other responsible agencies including the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and various Town/City councils to support the anti littering programme.