Opposition Member of Parliament Faiyaz Koya addressed a significant concern regarding the Nadi Town Council: the absence of a proper rubbish dump site. His comments came during the parliamentary debate on the Review Report of the Nadi Town Council for the year 2016.
Koya pointed out that most towns and municipalities in Fiji have designated areas for refuse collection, while Nadi Town has gone without such facilities for many years. He noted that the report indicates efforts are being made to identify a location for a dump site, highlighting an opportunity to promote recycling and proper waste management to protect the environment. He remarked that this issue has plagued governments since the 1970s yet remains unresolved.
Moreover, Koya criticized the council for failing to collect garbage from nearby villages, which has resulted in waste flowing into rivers. He emphasized that such situations should never occur in any urban area and expressed hope that these concerns would be adequately addressed.
Despite the rubbish dump issue, Koya acknowledged the impressive 92 percent town rates collection record for 2016. He described Nadi as a growing municipality, citing the development from the airport to Denarau as distinct from other towns in Fiji. He noted a stark contrast between well-maintained areas and the disarray in parts that are lacking attention.
Koya urged the Ministry of Finance and the Fiji Roads Authority to focus on maintaining and enhancing the town’s infrastructure, particularly given its status as a primary entry point for tourists arriving through Nadi airport. He also raised alarm about sewerage issues in the town, stressing that with a rising population and numerous businesses, appropriate services are essential for future events and tourism.
He called for regular audits and performance evaluations within the Nadi Town Council and expressed hope that the Ministry of Local Government would take a revitalized approach to improving Nadi Town. Koya emphasized that as a tourist destination, Nadi holds significant importance and that addressing its challenges is vital for its growth.