FIJI SIGNS TRANSACTION ADVISORY SERVICES AGREEMENT TO ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE WESTERN DIVISION WITH ADB

04/02/2025

Suva, Fiji— The Government of Fiji, represented by the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, signed a Transaction Advisory Services Agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today (4.02.2025) to support the development of an efficient and sustainable waste management solution, possibly in the form of a sanitary landfill, and the rehabilitation of four open dumpsites in the Western Division of Fiji.

The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Local Government in Suva, and marks a significant milestone in Fiji’s efforts to address critical urban waste management challenges through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The project, which will be implemented by the Ministry of Local Government in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, aims to develop an efficient and sustainable waste management solution in the Western Division and rehabilitate four existing dumpsites in Sigatoka, Lautoka, Ba, and Rakiraki.

Given the complexity of structuring a PPP model for landfill development and dumpsite rehabilitation, the Government of Fiji has sought technical and financial advisory support from ADB to ensure the successful execution of this transformative initiative.

Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Ms. Seema Sharma, emphasised the importance of the project.

“We are grateful to the Asian Development Bank for their invaluable support in this critical endeavour. The development of a new sanitary landfill in the Western Division and the rehabilitation of dumpsites in Sigatoka, Lautoka, Ba, and Rakiraki are essential from both a township and urban development perspective."

"This project aligns with the Ministry of Local Government’s ongoing work to develop a robust National Masterplan for urban centres. We are also pleased to have the support of the Investing in Coral Reefs and the Blue Economy project, implemented by UNDP and UNCDF with funding from the UN Joint SDG Fund and the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, which will further enhance the environmental and social outcomes of this initiative,” PS Sharma said.

The Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Sivendra Michael also highlighted the environmental significance of the project.

“Proactively investing in waste management infrastructure is critical to protecting and preserving Fiji’s rich biodiversity. This project represents a significant step forward in our efforts to address environmental degradation caused by inadequate waste management practices."

"We extend our sincere gratitude to the Asian Development Bank for their technical and financial advisory support, which will be instrumental in ensuring the success of this initiative. Additionally, the collaboration with UNDP, UNCDF, the UN Joint SDG Fund, and the Global Fund for Coral Reefs through the Investing in Coral Reefs and the Blue Economy project will further strengthen our commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.”

Mr. Aaron Batten, the Country Director of ADB Pacific Subregional Office in Fiji, underscored the importance of the project for sustainable development.

“This project is a crucial step toward sustainable waste management in Fiji. By leveraging public-private partnerships, we can bring innovative solutions to improve infrastructure, protect the environment, and support healthier communities. ADB is proud to support the Government of Fiji in this transformative initiative, which will have lasting benefits for both people and the planet,” he said.

The project will also be supported by the Investing in Coral Reefs and the Blue Economy project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) with funding from the UN Joint SDG Fund and the Global Fund for Coral Reefs. This collaboration will ensure that the project aligns with global sustainability goals and contributes to the protection of Fiji’s marine ecosystems.

The signing of the Transaction Advisory Services Agreement marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to address Fiji’s waste management challenges, promote sustainable urban development, and safeguard the environment for future generations.