Business owners in Nadi Town are grappling with significant challenges in the wake of recent flooding. The floods not only damaged their shops, but also left them dealing with an unpleasant and distressing clean-up effort that involves human waste found in shop corridors. This waste is believed to come from individuals experiencing mental health issues who often seek shelter in these areas overnight.
Shopkeepers discovered human feces in various locations, including their shop corridors, the main street, and open spaces near streetlights, contributing to a hazardous and unsanitary environment. Bobby Janendra Vikash, owner of Mega Paper Supplies, expressed his frustration over having to manage this problem himself, lamenting that despite having raised concerns with the Nadi Town Council, the situation persists. He stated, “It is not the council that cleans these feces, it is us, the shop owners, who are cleaning them.” The unbearable smell prompted him to clean not only his own space but the surrounding areas as well.
Saliceni Raiwalui, the Special Administrator for the Nadi Council, acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating that it requires collaboration from various stakeholders. He noted that while some individuals with mental health issues have been assisted back to their homes or to facilities like Saint Giles Hospital, many return to the streets. Mr. Raiwalui advocated for tougher measures, suggesting that harsh penalties may be necessary to deter such behavior.
His comments also drew attention to the larger problem of littering and environmental cleanliness, arguing that responsibility rests with individuals to maintain public spaces. Vikash highlighted that issues such as flooding are often exacerbated by debris obstructing drains, particularly in rural areas, where improper disposal of waste continues to contribute to such blockages.
In light of these challenges, Vikash proposed that the Ministry of Health and Environment appoint littering officers to help monitor and enforce anti-littering policies, aiming to foster a cleaner and safer community.
This situation underscores the significant intersection between public health and environmental management, pointing to the need for a community-wide effort to ensure public spaces are clean and safe for all residents. It is hopeful that through cooperation and proactive measures, Nadi Town can restore a sense of order and hygiene in the wake of these challenges, reinforcing community resilience against future adversities.
Overall, this served as a call for awareness and action among both the local authorities and the residents, encouraging responsibility in safeguarding their environment.
Leave a comment