Fiji has been on the international spotlight for its environmental leadership, and for its discipline and a resolute sobriety shown through manoeuvring crisis after crisis with no theatrics.
The Ministries of Environment and Waterways constantly contribute to that manoeuvring through protecting and improving Fiji’s environment and public health. The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry Joshua Wycliffe says “Our everyday efforts reflect our focus to ensure all Fijians have clean air, a safe, healthy environment, and access to waterways that do not disrupt or risk normal lives, but provides enhanced living conditions”
Environmental and health impacts of used tires
He observes that one of the key issues that his Ministry is addressing, includes the environmental health impacts resulting from the inappropriate discarding of used tires.
“Tires present us with a far reaching environmental concern. This is due to the serious risk posed by the chemical constituents of the tires and the related toxins released from the decomposition of tires. Disposal without recycling will pollute the land, water, and air” he opined.
Tires are not just municipal waste, they are a hazardous waste. When tires are thrown away instead of having them recycled, they create serious environmental and health problems. The chemicals contained in these tires when dumped into our environment, release hazardous wastes – they contain oils and heavy metals like lead which can persist in the environment, accumulating killer toxins across our communities. Tires are also a major fire risk in Fiji and the burning of tires results in the release of toxins that pose serious human health consequences, including respiratory disorders. Improperly discarded tires present another unique environmental risk. These tires that are strewn across your backyards can collect water and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests, increasing the risk of diseases (including vector-borne).
Wycliffe, reiterates the need for communities and individuals to understand the health and environmental hazards and show responsibility by disposing the tires appropriately (not store them in their backyards). He says “it is time to seriously consider the environmental foot print our lifestyle, our behaviour and our businesses are leaving behind. Individuals, communities and businesses that show leadership in this sphere are making a significant difference to Fiji”. Businesses should focus not just on a single bottom line “profit” but should also consider a triple bottom line (3Ps – People, Planet and Profit).
Repercussions for improper disposal
Fiji’s laws provide for strict measures to not just curb but prosecute and stop the improper disposal of tires (this includes burning of tires).
The Permanent Secretary stated that the Environment Management Act 2005 strictly stipulates that anyone “who knowingly or intentionally or with reckless disregard to human health, safety or the environment, causes pollution incident that results in harm to human health or safety, or severe damage to the environment commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000,000 or to life imprisonment or both”. He also added that this penalty is five times higher for a business or a corporate. The Ministry’s specially trained inspectors and prosecutors are on the lookout for such disregard to the environment and the health of their fellow Fijians.
The Government’s Strategic Approach Through a Circular Economy
The Fijian Government has shown an innovative foresight, through establishing a hotspot for circular economy commencing in and around the Naboro Landfill (the largest in the South Pacific). The government’s vision where resources are maximised, through “minimising making” aims to buttress companies that regenerate products in an environmentally friendly manner. A classic exemplar is the launching of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for Recycling/Green Technogy in Naboro
The Ministry of Environment is in negotiation with at least four international recycling/green technology companies – negotiations are at various stages from initial to well-progressed stages for these companies to come and set up shop inside the Naboro Tax Free Zone (SEZ). These businesses are expected to bring in the much needed investments and employment opportunities into Fiji as well .
Waste Remediation at the Landfill – the way forward
Additionally, the Ministry is also determined to put an end to the stacking of wastes-over-waste model currently seen at the Naboro landfill.
Instead, the Ministry has researched waste remediation and recycling technologies, and is now preparing to implement the same at Naboro. A tender to manage the landfill operations reflecting this approach was recently called for.
This approach will not only result in the recycling of wastes but also help shrink the size of the landfill and save millions of taxpayer money through the cessation of the need to construct new landfill pits every two to three years. The Ministry expects to launch this model in the coming months.