Blocked Drains & Road Surface Flooding Highlight Deeper Waste Management Challenges – PRF Calls for Holistic Solutions
Pacific Recycling Foundation acknowledges the concerns raised by the Fiji Roads Authority (according to recent media reports) regarding the ongoing issue of poor rubbish disposal practices leading to blocked drains and road surface flooding during heavy rainfall.
According to the FRA, large amounts of household rubbish, including plastic bottles, takeaway containers, and food wrappers, were found clogging cross culverts and catch pits during recent clean-up efforts.
The situation reinforces a challenge that PRF has continuously highlighted – that waste management in Fiji cannot be addressed through isolated or short-term efforts.
PRF Founder, Amitesh Deo, said that this issue must be seen as a result of deeper challenges across the waste management landscape in Fiji.
“When drains continue to be blocked and roads are affected, it tells us that what we are facing is not just a clean-up issue, it is a behaviour issue, a system issue, and an accountability issue,” said Deo.
“This is why a holistic approach to waste management across Fiji is now critical. We need structured systems supported by clear responsibilities, awareness, collaboration, and enforcement.”
Deo added that while authorities continue their work in cleaning and maintaining drains, these efforts alone cannot prevent the recurrence of flooding and deteriorating road conditions if irresponsible disposal practices persist at the household and community level.
“We must move away from reactive measures and work together to prevent waste from reaching our drains, water systems, and roads in the first place,” said Deo.
He also stressed that the impacts of poor waste management are felt most severely by vulnerable communities, especially during the cyclone season when heavy rainfall and flooding increase health and safety risks.
Deo added that this is precisely why PRF’s Vaka Forum series was initiated, to bring together various sectors and key agencies to develop and implement coordinated interventions for Fiji’s waste management challenges.
He said that the Vaka Forums aim to strengthen proper waste management practices at source and reduce the burden of costly systems that send everything to the landfill or dumpsites.
“When waste is handled correctly, our roads last longer, our communities are safer, and the financial burden on government is reduced. This is not just an environmental concern, it is an economic and public safety concern,” stressed Deo.
PRF believes that the FRA’s findings should serve as a strong reminder that Fiji needs long-term, proper waste management solutions and not temporary fixes. The Foundation said it remains committed to advancing inclusive and structured recycling programs and looks forward to working with all stakeholders to build safer and sustainable communities across the country.