Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya highlighted a significant issue faced by the Nadi Town Council: the absence of a proper rubbish dump site. His comments came in response to the 2016 Review Report of the Nadi Town Council, which was discussed in Parliament on Monday.
Koya pointed out that almost every town or municipality in Fiji has designated areas for refuse collection and dumping, but Nadi Town lacks such facilities. He noted that this has been a persistent problem for many years, although the report indicates that efforts are underway to identify a suitable location for a dump site.
He emphasized the importance of addressing recycling and proper waste management to minimize environmental harm. This issue has been a concern for every government since the 1970s, yet it remains unresolved.
Koya also mentioned that the council does not collect garbage from surrounding villages, which often leads to waste ending up in the river, a situation he believes should not occur in any urban area.
Despite the waste management issues, he praised the council for achieving a 92 percent town rates collection rate in 2016. He described Nadi as a growing municipality with significant development, particularly between the airport and Denarau, and stressed the need to improve the area leading into the town, which he believes has been neglected.
Koya urged that various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Finance and the Fiji Roads Authority, should collaborate to enhance the town, especially since it is the primary entry point for many tourists arriving through Nadi airport.
Additionally, he called for action on sewerage problems in Nadi, noting its status as a growing city with numerous large companies and a significant workforce in tourism. Koya expressed optimism about the prospect of major concerts and events in Nadi, underscoring the necessity for adequate services to support these initiatives.
He recommended conducting regular audits and performance evaluations within the Nadi Town Council to ensure ongoing attention to these pressing issues. Koya urged the Ministry of Local Government to reconsider its approach towards Nadi Town, as it is a crucial tourism hub and one of the first places visitors encounter in Fiji. He believes that while Namaka is thriving, the town area requires urgent focus and improvement.