Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya has highlighted a significant issue facing the Nadi Town Council: the absence of a proper rubbish dump site. His comments came after the release of the 2016 Review Report of the Nadi Town Council, which was discussed in Parliament on Monday.
Koya pointed out that most towns in Fiji have designated areas for refuse collection, but Nadi Town has lacked this for many years. He noted that the council is actively seeking a suitable location for a dump site, as indicated in the report. He emphasized the opportunity this presents for promoting recycling and maintaining environmental health, lamenting that this issue has persisted since the 1970s without resolution.
Additionally, Koya mentioned that the council does not collect garbage from nearby villages, leading to refuse ending up in local rivers, a situation he described as unacceptable for any urban area.
Despite these challenges, he praised the council for achieving a 92 percent collection rate for town rates in 2016. Koya acknowledged Nadi’s development, citing recent progress from the airport to Denarau. He contrasted this with the neglected state of areas leading into town, urging the council and relevant ministries to address these disparities, particularly given the influx of tourists through Nadi Airport.
Koya also raised concerns about sewerage issues in the rapidly growing city, highlighting the presence of large companies and a significant number of tourism workers in the area. He stressed the need for adequate services to support upcoming events and concerts, showcasing Nadi as a prime destination in Fiji.
He called for regular audits and performance evaluations within the Nadi Town Council to ensure these issues are prioritized. Koya urged the Ministry of Local Government to reconsider its approach to Nadi Town, given its status as a crucial entry point for visitors to Fiji. He underscored the importance of addressing the condition of the town area as it evolves into a key urban center.