VEPA is planning a massive clean up in the Neiafu/Toula district of Vava’u. It is going to take place from June 7th to the 11th.
According to a study from the Second Vava’u Development Program, 94.3 % percent of the rubbish is burnt in backyards. The rest is either brought to the only official dump site in Vava’u, which is leaking into the ocean, poisoning shellfish or littered somewhere on the island. Therefore all collected rubbish will be sorted and then sent to Nuku’alofa, to be recycled or properly disposed.
Both, the clean up and the previous education campaign will create a new attitude towards waste management minimizing the negative health impacts for the people of Vava’u.