At 6 a.m., while many are comfortably asleep, Ulamila Rabe is already out on the streets. Her job requires her to start working as soon as dawn breaks, and despite the labor-intensive nature of her role, Ulamila takes pride in being one of Savusavu’s street cleaners. “My job pays the bills; it is an important one, and I have to love it,” she stated.
Ulamila, along with two other female colleagues, is responsible for keeping the streets of Savusavu clean and free of trash. This important task often goes unnoticed and is sometimes undervalued, but it is essential nonetheless. “It’s not an easy job, but it is satisfying, especially knowing that you are part of a beauty campaign,” she commented. At the end of a tiring day, she finds joy in looking at the clean streets.
Despite the lack of appreciation for their work, Ulamila and her fellow cleaners continue their duties, armed with brooms and dustbins as they navigate through the picturesque town. Approximately three years ago, to address Savusavu’s growing litter issue, especially during a tourism surge, local authorities established an all-female team of street cleaners. The rationale behind this decision was straightforward: if women could maintain cleanliness at home, they could do the same for the town.
This concept proved to be successful, as residents quickly noticed the positive change. The female sweepers work six days a week, divided into two shifts: one from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the other from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Another committed street cleaner, Tikoivatukoula Vuniqaikula, originally from Qeleni, Wainikeli in the Cakaudrove province, now resides in Urata Village where she is married. Before her employment, she was a stay-at-home mother reliant on her husband’s farming income.
Now, her job helps financially support her family. “It didn’t take long before authorities noticed that we performed better than men, and our streets looked cleaner by the end of the day,” Tikoivatukoula explained. As a result, the cleaning role became a permanent fixture for the three women.
Initially, taking on this public duty was daunting, as they faced feelings of fear and embarrassment. However, they have since overcome these emotions. Tikoivatukoula shared, “At first, we were shy because no iTaukei women had taken on this job before. We were also concerned about what the public would think of us.” To conquer their fears, they focused on the importance of their role, viewing it as a household chore.
“Now we take pride in what we do, as we see it as a meaningful contribution to our community,” she added. Tikoivatukoula believes that without their efforts, Savusavu would be in disarray. She expressed gratitude for the challenges she faced, which motivated her to work hard and persist. “Sweeping up the litter others leave behind may seem like a menial job, but it is in humble positions like this that one can become a positive example,” she remarked.
Ulamila lives in Yaroi, just outside the town, where she cares for her two youngest children who attend secondary school. Her income helps provide them with opportunities away from the challenges of street life in Savusavu. Despite the demanding and risky nature of their jobs, Ulamila and Tikoivatukoula do not enjoy glamorous or well-paid positions.
They work under harsh conditions, enduring exposure to the elements, as well as insults and harassment. Nevertheless, they strive to perform their best, aware that communities are grappling with the rising tide of litter and waste. Overflowing public bins contribute to unsightly streets, foul odors, and significant health and environmental issues.
If street sweepers are not adequately equipped with the proper tools and gear, their work can become burdensome and hazardous. However, Ulamila and Tikoivatukoula remain committed to their roles. They assert that their work is well-suited for women and vital for fostering a clean, healthy, and disease-free environment.
“We enjoy what we do because it feels like a natural extension of our domestic responsibilities. Women show resilience and perseverance,” Ulamila stated. “We simply ask that people take responsibility for their trash. Always use a bin and respect the environment so that everyone can enjoy living in a clean and safe community.”