Business owners in Nadi Town are grappling with significant challenges following recent flooding that has left their shops and surroundings in an unfortunate state. In addition to the damage from rising waters, shopkeepers are now faced with the task of cleaning human feces that have been left in shop corridors, as some individuals with mental health issues have taken refuge in these areas overnight.
Bobby Janendra Vikash, the owner of Mega Paper Supplies, expressed his exasperation over the situation. He revealed that he has been vocal about the issue to the Nadi Town Council, highlighting that the corridors near his store are frequently used by vulnerable individuals. Vikash lamented that it is the shopkeepers, not the council, who are left to deal with the waste: “After the flood waters receded, these people left their feces in every corner of the shop corridors and the main street,” he explained.
The unpleasant smell from the waste has become unbearable, forcing Vikash to clean both his own shop corridor and the main street. Saliceni Raiwalui, the council’s Special Administrator, acknowledged the ongoing nature of this problem, indicating that collaboration among various stakeholders is essential. He confirmed that while some homeless individuals are provided assistance and taken to their homes or to Saint Giles Hospital, many still return to the streets.
Raiwalui suggested that stricter measures may be necessary to curb this behavior, proposing potential repercussions for those who continue disrupting public spaces with such actions. He made a noteworthy comparison between the challenges posed by individuals with mental health issues and the act of littering, emphasizing that responsibility in maintaining a clean environment is critical.
Vikash, who also serves as an advisory councillor and chairman of Nadi district, indicated that flooding in rural areas is often the result of blocked drainage systems caused by litter. He noted, “I think the drainage blockage was caused by rubbish being thrown in the drains, especially in the rural areas.”
To address this issue, Vikash proposed that the Ministry of Health and Environment could appoint officers specifically to monitor littering behaviors and enforce regulations against careless disposal of waste.
While the challenges faced by Nadi Town’s business owners are considerable, this situation shines a light on the need for community engagement and collaboration. By addressing the underlying issues of littering and supporting individuals with mental health challenges in a compassionate way, there is potential for a healthier community that prioritizes cleanliness and mutual support. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible behavior in preserving public spaces, and it calls for a cooperative effort to improve the wellbeing of the entire community.
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