Business owners in Nadi Town are grappling with a challenging situation following severe flooding that not only damaged their shops but also left unpleasant waste in their corridors. The floodwaters have revealed an alarming problem as human feces, believed to come from individuals with mental health challenges, were found strewn across the shop fronts and public spaces. Many of these individuals reportedly use shop corridors for shelter at night.
Bobby Janendra Vikash, who runs Mega Paper Supplies, expressed his frustration with the lack of support from the Nadi Town Council. He and other shopkeepers are taking on the burden of cleaning up the mess, which has significantly affected their business environment. Vikash emphasized that the smell from the waste was intolerable, forcing them to maintain cleanliness at their own expense.
Saliceni Raiwalui, the Council’s Special Administrator, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and noted that it requires cooperation from multiple stakeholders. He mentioned that while efforts have been made to help these individuals find homes or appropriate care, they often return to the streets. Raiwalui suggested that stricter penalties may be necessary to deter this behavior, emphasizing personal responsibility in maintaining cleanliness.
Vikash also highlighted the larger issue of flooding, attributing it in part to blocked drains caused by littering, particularly in more rural areas. He suggested that the Ministry of Health and Environment might consider appointing littering officers to tackle this persistent problem.
This situation is a wake-up call for both the community and local authorities to come together to find sustainable solutions for helping vulnerable individuals while also ensuring that businesses can operate in a clean and safe environment. Collaborative efforts may lead to a stronger support system for those in need while promoting community responsibility to maintain clean public spaces.
Summary: Business owners in Nadi Town face challenges post-floods, including cleaning human waste left by individuals who sleep in shop corridors. Shopkeepers like Bobby Vikash are frustrated with the lack of support from local authorities. The Council recognizes the need for collaboration and suggests harsher penalties to address the issue. Vikash underscores that littering contributes to flooding and calls for littering officers to monitor and mitigate these problems, highlighting the importance of community responsibility.
In a positive light, this could serve as an opportunity for the community to unite in addressing not only the cleanliness of their environment but also the welfare of vulnerable populations, paving the way for a healthier and more caring community culture.
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