Business owners in Nadi are increasingly frustrated with the presence of street dwellers and beggars disrupting their operations, resulting in some feeling compelled to take action themselves. Ashfaaq Khan, managing director of AL-Hamd Smart Living, shared his experience with the untenable situation where his staff have repeatedly had to clear away human waste left by street dwellers outside their store.
Khan suggested that while quick fixes have been made by neighboring shop owners to maintain cleanliness, a more sustainable approach should be established by the Nadi Town Council (NTC). He proposed convening a meeting involving the police, the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Ministry of Health, and relevant NGOs to collaboratively tackle the growing issue of street homelessness.
Business representatives voiced concerns about safety, noting that many individuals lingering in front of their stores exhibit signs of mental distress, while others seem to prefer living on the streets. The interaction can become aggressive when staff request individuals to move, posing a risk not only to employees but also to the public.
Marc McElrath, managing director of Vuvale Restaurants, emphasized a need for government intervention to properly address the needs of these individuals, highlighting the importance of professional care and support through facilities like St Giles.
Businessman Jerry Gounder pointed out that local authorities struggle to address these issues adequately, as they, too, are affected by similar challenges in their own operations, often referring concerns to police.
Salicieli Raiwalui, chairperson of the NTC special administrator, acknowledged the importance of discussing these complexities. Meanwhile, queries sent to Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, have not yet been answered.
These discussions signal a pressing need for a concerted effort among various sectors of society to address the root causes of homelessness and ensure safety and dignity for all involved. While the situation is currently challenging, the push for collaboration among community leaders and government agencies offers hope for a more effective resolution that can benefit both business owners and those experiencing homelessness in Nadi.
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