Business owners in Nadi Town are grappling with a significant challenge following recent floods that not only inundated their shops but also left human waste in the corridors. This distressing situation is believed to involve individuals with mental health issues who often use these shop corridors as temporary sleeping spots.
Shopkeepers, like Bobby Janendra Vikash of Mega Paper Supplies, have voiced their frustrations after discovering human feces in numerous locations, including shop hallways and public areas. Vikash highlighted the burden placed on business owners, stating, “It is not the council that cleans these feces, it is us, the shop owners, who are cleaning them.” The unpleasant odor has made it necessary for business owners to undertake the cleaning of both their premises and the surrounding streets.
Saliceni Raiwalui, the Special Administrator of the Nadi Town Council, acknowledged the complexity of the issue, emphasizing the need for collaboration among various stakeholders. He mentioned that while some individuals experiencing homelessness and mental instability have been assisted and relocated, many return to the streets. Raiwalui suggested that stricter measures might be required to deter this behavior, indicating that potential enforcement could involve removing individuals back to their villages.
The administrator also drew parallels between the challenges posed by individuals with mental health issues and the general problem of littering, stressing the importance of community responsibility in maintaining cleanliness. He expressed concern over the detrimental environmental impact of litter, particularly noting how blocked drains contribute to flooding, a concern also echoed by Vikash.
Vikash proposed that the Ministry of Health and Environment consider appointing littering officers to enforce better compliance with clean practices. The ongoing dialogue about these challenges reflects a larger need for cohesive community action and responsibility to ensure a healthier environment for all.
This situation calls attention to the intersection of public health, mental health care, and environmental responsibility, suggesting that with unified efforts and proper measures, it is possible to create positive changes for the Nadi community. Enhancing support services for vulnerable populations while promoting accountability for littering can pave the way for a cleaner and safer environment.
In summary, the difficulties faced by Nadi Town’s business owners, exacerbated by recent flooding and sanitation issues, highlight the need for collective community action to address both public health crises and environmental cleanliness.
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