VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Landscape and Waste Management Agency (LWMA) has issued a renewed warning over the persistent rise in illegal dumping across Seychelles, highlighting growing community apathy and irresponsible waste management practices that continue to place the nation’s environment and public health at risk. Despite ongoing education campaigns and enforcement efforts, the agency has reported that a worrying number of individuals and businesses still dispose of waste indiscriminately — by roadsides, vacant lots, waterways, and at bin sites never designed to handle bulky or hazardous materials.
LWMA has noted that this trend reflects what many local commentators describe as a culture of irresponsibility, where a segment of the population simply does not want to be educated on proper waste management practices. Under the Seychelles Environment Protection Act, 2016, illegal dumping is a serious offence. The Act sets out strict definitions of what constitutes unlawful waste disposal, including dumping waste on unallocated land, whether public or private, that has not been officially designated for waste disposal.
The agency has called on members of the public, businesses, and community groups to report instances of illegal dumping and to cooperate with enforcement officers. It is also intensifying its education and outreach work, in partnership with district administrations and schools, to encourage responsible waste disposal. LWMA reminded the public that everyone has a role to play in keeping the country clean, and that penalties under the Act may include fines and, in serious cases, prosecution.
