Dumping Rubbish along the roadside still an Issue
One of the common reactions visitors have about Niue is that it is clean and they marvel at the lack of rubbish seen around the island. But this clean image of Niue is being threatened by the actions of a few lazy individuals who dumped their rubbish in the bush.
Rubbish dumped into the bush along the scenic drive from Tamakautoga to Alofi few weeks back. Image: Supplied
The Department of Environment’s work to develop and update the government’s Waste Management Strategic Plan with the Director Hayden Talagi who stated that waste management is a community responsibility. Despite these sentiments, people are still dumping their rubbish on the roadsides.
One of the common reactions visitors have about Niue is that it is clean and they marvel at the lack of rubbish seen around the island. But this clean image of Niue is being threatened by the actions of a few lazy individuals who dump their rubbish in the bush.
In a recent interview with BCN News Talagi explained the position of the Department and its role in looking for funding to support programmes such as waste management.
However, evidence of people dumping rubbish into the bush on the scenic drive from Tamakautoga to Alofi a few weeks back was reported to the government’s rubbish collection contractor.
According to the contractor, the rubbish truck doesn’t cover that area between Tamakautoga and Alofi, so the rubbish bags dumped there were not picked up for several days until the person who reported it picked the bags and disposed them into the rubbish bin located at Anaana lookout.
While these incidents may be bothersome to the work of the Department in promoting a community response to the management and proper disposal of household waste, the Department of Environment is also working on the proper collection and disposal of e-waste on the island.
The Department of Environment has resumed its radio programme every fortnightly on Wednesday from 10am-11am to ensure public awareness about its activities and to ensure the community and stakeholders are informed.
If the government’s attempts at establishing a waste management strategy are to be successful, the community and all stakeholders must play their part.
