Australia supports construction of wash and kitchen facilities for CPR

The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has received a timely grant from the Australian Government through its Direct Aid Program to build a portable wash, kitchen, and storage facility in Vunato, Lautoka.

These new facilities will benefit around 50 Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPR), formerly known as informal waste pickers – who comb through the Vunato dumpsite for most parts of the day to collect recyclables such as plastic, aluminum material, and copper wires which they sell to recyclers to earn a living. Some CPR have been doing this work for over two decades and contribute about 30 percent of the waste removed from landfills and dumpsites each year.

“We are grateful for the Australian Government’s support to provide safe, decent, and dignified facilities, particularly for the women CPR and members of the LGBTQI+ community who come from vulnerable communities,” said PRF’s Founder, Mr. Amitesh Deo.

“They play a vital role in environmental sustainability and to the longevity of the dumpsite by removing recyclables and other waste materials from leaking into our environment,” he added.

Mr. Deo has also acknowledged the Lautoka City Council for their partnership in this project and ongoing commitment to empowering the CPR community.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Suva, Ewen McDonald, said Australia was pleased to support an initiative that was providing opportunities for economic empowerment, training, and new facilities to support the health and well-being of the people who play a central role in recycling in Fiji.

The PRF’s programs are designed to create awareness of recycling & provide structured support to CPR. Programs are aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as promoting sustained inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The PRF also promotes the protection of labour rights, safe and secure working environments for all workers, reducing inequality within and among countries, and social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.