Apenisa Waqairadovu 
[Picture: FIJI GOVERNMENT FACEBOOK]
An investigation into reported waste dumping near Wailoaloa Beach is continuing, although the rubbish seen in a video circulating online had been removed by the time authorities inspected the site.
Department of Environment officers visited the area yesterday morning and spoke to workers and neighbouring landowners.
They were told waste is regularly taken to the location, temporarily unloaded and later transported to the Vunato Dump in Lautoka.
Authorities are now working to identify the company responsible and determine whether it has the required permits for transporting and temporarily storing waste.
The Department says waste operators must have a valid Waste Transport Permit and dispose of waste only at approved sites.
Under the Litter Amendment Act 2026, companies can face fines of up to 10-thousand dollars for a first offence and 20-thousand dollars for subsequent offences.
Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, is thanking members of the public for reporting suspected illegal dumping.
He says public reports help authorities identify activities that could harm the environment and allow investigations and enforcement action to be carried out.
