Labasa Town Council, in collaboration with the Health Ministry, is actively working to expand its waste collection services to accommodate the growing population in surrounding areas. Special Administrator, Samuela Ligairi, acknowledged the persistent challenges with waste disposal, particularly in certain residential and informal communities where illegal dumping has become a significant environmental concern.
Ligairi stated that the current waste collection boundaries are set to extend to locations such as Bulileka, Vunika, Lajonia, and Nagata. This expansion aims to alleviate the ongoing issue of communities resorting to illegal dumping due to limited waste collection services.
Villages within the town, including Nacula, Naqai, and Nasekula, currently receive waste collection services only once a week, which could be contributing to the broader waste management problems faced in Labasa.
The implications of inadequate waste disposal practices extend beyond local concerns, as highlighted by strategic advisor Dr. Joeli Veitayaki of Blue Prosperity Fiji. He previously noted that improper management of waste, particularly plastics, hampers Labasa’s potential as a tourism destination. He emphasized that significant amounts of garbage lead to unsightly conditions that deter visitors. Moreover, the burning of sugarcane fields and forests exacerbates pollution and damages natural habitats, further impacting the town’s appeal.
In response to these challenges, the Labasa Town Council has taken proactive steps, including the installation of new rubbish bins around the town to encourage proper waste disposal. Ligairi expressed optimism that these initiatives, combined with the expansion of waste services, could significantly improve the community’s waste management and support a cleaner environment.
By fostering better waste management practices, Labasa can aspire to enhance its environmental conditions and potentially boost its attractiveness as a tourism destination. The commitment to improving these services is a positive development toward achieving sustainability and preserving the town’s natural beauty for future generations.
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