Business owners in Nadi Town are grappling with a significant challenge following recent floods that not only damaged their shops but also left them dealing with human waste in public corridors. Many shopkeepers discovered feces in their vicinity after the floodwaters had receded, believed to be the result of individuals with mental illnesses who often use these corridors for shelter.
Bobby Janendra Vikash, who runs Mega Paper Supplies, has voiced his frustrations after repeatedly reporting the issue to the Nadi Town Council. He stated, “It is not the council that cleans these feces; it is us, the shop owners, who are cleaning them.” The unpleasant smell has made the situation intolerable, compelling him to clean both his shop and the adjacent street.
Council Special Administrator Saliceni Raiwalui acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that it requires cooperation among various stakeholders. He revealed that while some individuals with mental instability have been taken to supportive environments like Saint Giles Hospital, they frequently return to the streets. With this in mind, Raiwalui has suggested enforcing harsher penalties for those responsible for the offensive waste and urged collective accountability for maintaining cleanliness in the area.
Additionally, Vikash, who also serves as an advisory councillor and chairman of the Nadi district, highlighted the ongoing problem of blocked drains in rural areas, attributing this issue to littering. He believes that the Ministry of Health and Environment should consider appointing littering officers to enforce actions against those who recklessly discard waste.
This situation, while distressing, provides an opportunity for community involvement and a push for better sanitation practices. By fostering collaboration between residents, local authorities, and health organizations, Nadi Town can work towards creating a cleaner and more supportive environment for everyone involved. The community’s resilience and desire for improvement could pave the way for a more organized approach to public health and safety.
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