Nadi Town business owners are grappling with significant challenges following recent floods. The inundation not only damaged their shops but also led to alarming issues, including human feces found along shop corridors. This waste is believed to come from individuals with mental health challenges who often find refuge in these public spaces.
Shopkeeper Bobby Janendra Vikash, owner of Mega Paper Supplies, voiced his frustration, highlighting that he has repeatedly brought this matter to the attention of the Nadi Town Council. He shared that the presence of human waste in shop areas and main streets has become a common and distressing sight after the floodwaters receded. “It is not the council that cleans these feces, it is us, the shop owners, who are cleaning them,” Vikash complained.
The unpleasant odor from the waste has been overwhelming for business owners like Vikash, prompting him to address the issue not just within his shop but also in the public streets. In response, the council’s Special Administrator, Saliceni Raiwalui, acknowledged the complexity of the problem, emphasizing the need for collaboration among various stakeholders to find a solution. While noting that the council has already attempted to assist many individuals in need by taking them to appropriate facilities like Saint Giles Hospital, he indicated that some return to the streets.
Raiwalui suggested that stricter measures may be necessary to deter such behavior, proposing that those responsible for the filth could face harsh penalties, including potential relocation to their villages. He drew a parallel between littering and the issues surrounding mentally unstable individuals, stressing the importance of responsibility in maintaining clean environments.
Mr. Vikash, who also serves as an advisory councillor and chairman of the Nadi district, pointed out that one of the root causes of flooding in rural areas is blocked drains, which are often clogged with litter. He stressed that while the town area has been kept clean by the council, careless disposal of waste continues to create blockages, leading to flooding issues.
He proposed that the Ministry of Health and Environment appoint littering officers to monitor and hold accountable those engaging in irresponsible littering practices.
In the face of these challenges, there is hope for improvement as community leaders advocate for stricter regulations and increased accountability. Through collective efforts, there can be a positive transformation in maintaining cleanliness and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.
The ongoing dialogue between business owners and the council may foster greater understanding and lead to effective measures that protect both the environment and the community’s well-being.
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