CLGF was recognised by Fiji’s Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development for its work in an important pilot project, funded by the UN.

The Minister, Hon Premila Kumar joined CLGF Regional Director, Ms. Karibaiti Taoba and representatives of UN ESCAP, local government, other ministries and development partner agencies for the official openning of the new Resource Recovery Facility for Nasinu on 18 February. Part of the SURM (Sustainable Urban to Rural Management ) project, funded by UNESCAP and implemented by CLGF, the facility is the first Resource Recovery Facility which aligns with government policy to reduce waste in Fiji. 

Inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities

Nasinu Town Council is one of five cities and towns selected from 84 applicants to be part of the UN ESCAP pilot Sustainable Urban Resource Management (SURM) initiative in the Asia-Pacific region. Linked to the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 11, the initiative aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.  

This centre is particularly welcomed by Nasinu Town Council where the management of solid waste has always been a concern. The key focus of the project is to engage a broad range of stakeholders in identifying and implementing ways to improve waste management outcomes for the Nasinu Community in terms of:

• reducing the volume of residential waste 
• increasing resource recovery of goods for recycling or reprocessing from waste
• reducing incidence of illegal dumping
• optimising of Council and community resources
• improving environmental outcomes including greenhouse gas mitigation

Leveraging for other development benefits

The Council and community are also being encouraged to leverage waste management solutions for other development benefits, such as local economic development.

The facility was proposed, based on the findings of a community-based research project and following a series of stakeholder consultations, including with youth and the private sector, which underscores the importance of all sectors working together with local government for better management of resources. 

Building capacity and skills

This project has also built the capacity and skills of Nasinu Town Council staff and community members, in terms of good governance practices which are critical to improving Sustainable Urban Resource Management issues like solid waste management. 

CLGF’s Regional Director, Ms. Karibaiti Taoaba said: “The significance of this project is not just about an improved and more efficient waste management service. Nasinu residents generate 20,000 tons of solid waste per year and the annual cost for disposing this solid waste is $2.4 million, 80% of Nasinu’s total invoiced rates and garbage fees levy. “ 

She concluded: "CLGF is proud to lead on this pilot project and to work in partnership with UN ESCAP, Nasinu Town Council and the Ministry."