Business owners in Nadi Town are grappling with a troubling situation in the aftermath of recent floods. The floods not only damaged their shops but also led to the unfortunate task of cleaning human feces that were left in shop corridors. This waste is believed to be from individuals who are mentally unstable and often use the areas as sleeping spots overnight.
During the flooding, shopkeepers discovered human waste in various locations, including shop corridors, the main street, and near streetlights. Bobby Janendra Vikash, the owner of Mega Paper Supplies, expressed his frustration, stating that he has consistently raised this concern with the Nadi Town Council. He pointed out that the shop corridors adjacent to his business frequently serve as resting places for mentally challenged individuals.
Vikash mentioned, “It is not the council that cleans these feces; it is us, the shop owners, who are responsible for the cleanup.” He described the unbearable odor from the waste, which forced him to clean both his shop area and the street.
Responding to the concerns, Saliceni Raiwalui, the Council’s Special Administrator, acknowledged that the problem requires collaboration among various stakeholders. “This is not new; we have received complaints on this issue. The council cannot tackle this alone,” he stated. Raiwalui noted that while the ministry and relevant stakeholders have taken some individuals to their homes or to Saint Giles Hospital, many continue to return to the streets.
To find a solution, Mr. Raiwalui proposed implementing stricter measures against such behavior, suggesting potential penalties for those caught leaving waste in public areas. He likened the habits of littering to the actions of the mentally unstable individuals, emphasizing the importance of responsibility for maintaining a clean environment.
Furthermore, Mr. Vikash, who also serves as an advisory councillor and the chairman of the Nadi district, highlighted that flooding in rural areas is often exacerbated by blocked drains, which are obstructed by litter. He criticized the ongoing issue of rubbish being discarded in drains, particularly in rural areas, and suggested that the Ministry of Health and Environment could install littering officers to oversee and penalize careless littering.
Despite the challenges faced by Nadi Town’s business owners, the collaboration between local officials and businesses illustrates a shared commitment to tackling the issue and improving the community’s sanitation conditions. Through increased awareness and responsible behavior, there is hope for a cleaner and healthier environment moving forward.
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