Business owners in Nadi Town are currently grappling with a troubling aftermath of the recent floods that not only inundated their shops but also left human waste littering the corridors. This unsanitary situation is reportedly the result of individuals with mental health challenges using the shop fronts as spots for overnight refuge.
Shopkeepers returned to find their properties and the nearby streets contaminated with feces, an issue that has left them distressed and frustrated. Bobby Janendra Vikash, owner of Mega Paper Supplies, has raised his concerns with the Nadi Town Council, emphasizing that it is the shop owners who are compelled to clean this waste, rather than the council taking responsibility.
“I have repeatedly brought this to the council’s attention. We, as the shop owners, bear the burden of cleaning these messes after the floods recede,” he lamented, mentioning the unbearable odor that makes the environment increasingly challenging to operate in.
Council’s Special Administrator, Saliceni Raiwalui, recognized that addressing such issues requires cooperation among multiple stakeholders. He acknowledged that while efforts exist to relocate these individuals to safer environments, the problem persists as many return to the streets.
To tackle this persistent issue, Mr. Raiwalui proposed implementing stricter measures against littering and public defecation, suggesting that tougher penalties may discourage such behavior. He called for heightened accountability from the community, drawing parallels between environmental littering and the neglect faced by mentally unstable individuals.
On a related note, Vikash pointed out that flooding in rural areas often stems from blocked drains, which are frequently obstructed due to littering. He stressed the importance of maintaining good practices in waste disposal to prevent future environmental disasters. He suggested that the Ministry of Health and Environment consider appointing litter enforcement officers to ensure compliance with cleanliness standards.
In this challenging situation, there is hope for improvement through proactive community engagement and support. By fostering collaboration between business owners, local authorities, and health organizations, Nadi can work towards a cleaner and safer environment for all. Together, they can develop strategic responses to mitigate the impact of both flooding and public health issues, paving the way for a more resilient Nadi Town.
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