The Pacific island country of Fiji will launch a nationwide anti-litter campaign to keep it safe and clean, the Ministry of Information said in a media release on Wednesday.

Jope Davetanivaluin, director of the Department of Environment, was quoted as saying that from November, citizens who fail to obey the rules will be fined heavy penalties ranging from 40 to 2,500 Fiji dollars ($231,430).

This operation is intended to address the issue of littering as it has become more of a social ill in the country, Davetanivaluin said.

The department held a Joint-Operation Litter Promulgation last week, during which Davetanivalu reminded the taskforce of the responsibility ahead and how important the exercise is towards addressing the issue of littering in Fiji.

The taskforce has identified a number of individuals and industries that have been issued warnings because they continuously dump waste in rivers and dump heavy metals into their surroundings, the official said.

A team of environment officials will also be visiting the bus company to talk with officials on ways of disposing these waste materials in an environment-friendly way.

Meanwhile, the department will organize workshops to enhance awareness on the litter decree and educate enforcement officers on their roles in enforcing relevant laws.