PRF makes its first budget submissions on Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited’s 29th anniversary
To commemorate Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited’s 29th anniversary today, its offshoot, The Pacific Recycling Foundation has made a number of submissions for the 2023/2024 National Budget, with a key focus for the Government to commission a study on specific areas of recycling and upcycling that have significant potential to foster economic, environmental, and social developments for Fiji.
PRF’s Founder, Mr. Amitesh Deo said their submissions are based on and fortified by the Prime Minister, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka’s contribution during the debate on His Excellency the President’s address in Parliament this year, where the Prime Minister stated that he will be recommending a study to be carried out in recycling which will minimise pollution and also reduce solid waste and protect the environment.
Mr. Deo revealed the PRF has submitted for a public-private partnership approach to explore opportunities for Tire Shredding and Processing Plants and End-of-Life Vehicles Procedures and Processing Facilities.
Mr. Deo said as a local rights-based organisation with specific objectives of awareness, advocacy, and research on recycling, the PRF which has close to three decades of experience in the recycling space through its business arm, WRFL, is ready to commit to a public-private partnership, aimed at looking for sustainable and cost-effective solutions for proper waste management in Fiji.
“We have also submitted a cost-effective and sustainable waste management solution for Lautoka City. We have proposed to place ‘I Recycle Hub’ bins at strategic locations across Lautoka City, in a bid to reduce the massive amounts of recyclable waste that ends up in the Vunato dumpsite,” revealed the PRF Founder.
Mr. Deo said they are urging the government to tap into local knowledge and expertise for solutions regarding proper waste management.
“It is quite special as we are making our first National Budget submission on WRFL’s 29th anniversary and this also comes on the back of the government’s commitment to an environment of open dialogue, transparency, and accountability. We also acknowledge the government for listening to the concerns and contributions of various sectors of the economy, including waste management which remains key to economic development,” said Mr. Deo.
The PRF has also made submissions for the Government to commit to a partnership to upscale the ‘Recycling on the Go Ambassadors Program’ to more schools in Fiji and also look into providing structured support to those involved in informal waste picking, namely sorting and resting sheds, washroom facilities, and water tanks near key dumpsites as well as the provision of PPEs.
PRF’s budget submissions were handed over to the Head of Fiscal Policy, Research, and Analysis at the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Munesh Deo.