The Eco Guardians of Fiji, in collaboration with various stakeholders including the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Health, organised a massive clean-up campaign in 14 communities across Lami.
Noting the seriousness of the current dengue outbreak and the hot spots identified in the Lami area, the campaign will engage around 300 youth volunteers across the 14 communities.
In expressing his enthusiasm for the clean-up campaign, Assistant Minister to the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Sakiusa Tubuna said that the clean-up campaign was an opportune time to mobilise Lami communities to look after their surroundings and protect them from diseases such dengue which is ravaging most of the communities in Lami.
Indiscriminate rubbish dumping, particularly in largely populated areas contributes to the spread of dengue fever by creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Stagnant water in blocked drains and discarded containers provides ideal environment for mosquito lava to develop. This regular clean-ups assist in removing rubbish and destroy potential mosquito breeding sites.
Indiscriminate rubbish dumping persists everywhere we go, and it is an eyesore.
Assistant Minister Tubuna also applauded the organisation of the post clean-up campaign volleyball tournament at Johnson Park in Lami which would also bring together the youths of Lami.
“We need CSO’s to continue coming up with these sorts of activities and keep our children and youths engaged. This will help in deterring them from engaging in illegal activies.”
The engaged communities include Waikerekere, Wailekutu, Wainigasau, Bilo, Veisari, Kalekana, Naivikinikini, Qauia, Matata, Valenicina, Lami Koro, Suvavou, Nadonumai and Delainavesi with an initial training.