Business owners in Nadi are taking drastic steps in response to the disruptive behavior of street dwellers and beggars outside their establishments. Concerns have been raised regarding hygiene issues, such as faeces and urine left on shop fronts, which have led to business owners, including Ashfaaq Khan, managing director of AL-Hamd Smart Living, taking action to clean the areas themselves.
While some shop owners have adopted temporary fixes, Khan emphasizes the importance of a long-term solution that requires collaboration between the Nadi Town Council (NTC), the police, the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Ministry of Health, and relevant NGOs. He points out that the increasing presence of street dwellers not only poses a potential danger to staff and customers but also indicates a pressing need for a more systematic approach to this issue.
Khan and other business leaders have expressed their belief that the families of these individuals should be involved in the conversation, suggesting that the council work to trace their next of kin. Meanwhile, Marc McElrath, the managing director of Vuvale Restaurants, has also called for increased attention to this matter from government and social welfare departments, advocating for assistance and professional support for those in need.
Jerry Gounder, another local businessman, added that the NTC is limited in its ability to address these challenges, as they encounter similar issues within their own facility and often rely on the police for assistance. Salicieli Raiwalui, chairperson of the NTC special administrator, acknowledged the importance of discussing this topic further.
A significant unanswered question remains with the Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, indicating that continued dialogue and action are necessary to adequately address these growing concerns.
In summary, the situation in Nadi’s business district illustrates a community grappling with both social and economic issues, urging local governance to find effective solutions while advocating for the welfare of vulnerable populations. There is hope that through collaboration, resources can be directed to provide both care for those in need and support for local business owners, possibly resulting in a healthier and safer environment for all.
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