17 Aug 2011

Fiji litterers face harsher sanctions

1:34 pm on 17 August 2011

People who throw litter in Fiji will face new punishments under changes to the country's Litter Decree.

The interim government's announced people who throw rubbish will not only have to pick up their litter straight away, they'll also have to clean up the surrounding environment.

The changes also empower those policing the rules to get offenders to do instant community service.

Permanent Secretary in charge of the environment Taina Tagicakabau says studies found Papua New Guinea offenders had to do push ups.

She says Fiji's focused on getting offenders to further clean up the area involved.

Changes also include appointing members of the police force as litter prevention officers.