Nasinu launches recycling initiative to boost civic pride and cleanliness

Nasinu, Fiji – The Nasinu Town Council has launched its 'Return and Earn' initiative, a new recycling program designed to foster civic pride and promote responsible waste management. Residents can now return eligible beverage containers to designated points and receive a five-cent refund for each.

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In 2014, I think, Nasinu was declared the cleanest town. Moving on from 2014 to 2023, Nasinu was one of the dirtiest towns, but I’m proud to say that with the involvement of the community, with the involvement of the Ministry of Local Government coming on board and the Hands Across Nasinu initiative, we have managed to clean up Nasinu.

The program aims to significantly reduce litter and improve the overall cleanliness of Fiji's largest municipality. Nasinu Town Council Chairperson Felix Magnus highlighted the town's journey, noting its past recognition as the cleanest town in 2014 and its subsequent decline before recent community-led efforts. "I’m proud to say that with the involvement of the community, with the involvement of the Ministry of Local Government coming on board and the Hands Across Nasinu initiative, we have managed to clean up Nasinu," Magnus stated.

Magnus believes the 'Return and Earn' program will further instill a sense of community ownership and encourage residents to actively participate in maintaining their surroundings. "And this initiative today, marks a significant milestone in we the residents of Nasinu in our aspirations and dreams to keep Nasinu clean," he added.

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And this initiative today, marks a significant milestone in we the residents of Nasinu in our aspirations and dreams to keep Nasinu clean.

Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa endorsed the initiative, emphasizing that environmental protection is a collective responsibility. "We are the protectorate, we are the custodian of the place that we live in, and we call Earth. No one else is going to protect this environment – it’s you, it’s me, it’s the government and everyone," Nalumisa said. The council anticipates that the program will not only curb littering but also enhance Nasinu's public image and attract potential investors.

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We are the protectorate, we are the custodian of the place that we live in, and we call Earth. No one else is going to protect this environment – it’s you, it’s me, it’s the government and everyone.