Business owners in Nadi Town are grappling with serious challenges in the aftermath of recent floods that not only inundated their shops but also left them contending with unsightly and unsanitary conditions. Reports indicate that human feces were found on shop corridors, largely attributed to individuals with mental health issues who often use these areas for shelter.
Bobby Janendra Vikash, who operates Mega Paper Supplies, expressed his exasperation as he described the state of his shop’s surroundings. He lamented that it falls to the shop owners to clean up the human waste, an issue he insists has been repeatedly brought to the attention of the Nadi Town Council. The situation has grown dire, with foul odors pervading the area, further complicating their recovery efforts following the flood.
Addressing the matter, Saliceni Raiwalui, the council’s Special Administrator, acknowledged the complexity of the situation which requires the cooperation of multiple stakeholders. While he stated that efforts have been made to assist those living on the streets—transporting them back to their homes or to mental health facilities—many return to the streets, presenting an ongoing challenge.
Raiwalui suggested the need for more stringent measures to address this issue and highlighted the necessity of citizens to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in their environment. He compared the behavior of individuals who litter to that of those who may be struggling with mental health issues, emphasizing a collective need for accountability.
Vikash, who also serves as an advisory councillor and chairman of the Nadi district, pointed out that flooding extends beyond urban challenges and is often exacerbated by blocked drainage systems due to littering. He called for the Ministry of Health and Environment to consider appointing littering officers to better enforce cleanliness standards.
In summary, the flooding in Nadi Town has unveiled deeper issues related to mental health and public sanitation, prompting calls for community responsibility and more robust action from local authorities. It is imperative that all stakeholders work together to find sustainable solutions that not only address immediate concerns but also foster a cleaner and safer community.
Despite the challenges, the situation highlights an opportunity for community engagement and improvement, with the potential for collaborative efforts to bring about meaningful change in both environmental practices and the compassionate treatment of vulnerable populations.
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