Opposition member of Parliament Faiyaz Koya highlighted a significant issue facing the Nadi Town Council: the absence of a designated rubbish dump site. His comments were made in response to a Review Report on the Nadi Town Council for 2016, which was debated in Parliament.
Mr. Koya pointed out that almost every town or municipality in Fiji has a proper location for refuse collection, unlike Nadi. He noted that this issue has persisted for many years and referenced the report’s mention of efforts to establish a suitable site for waste disposal. He argued that this situation presents an opportunity to enhance recycling efforts and improve waste management to protect the environment, a challenge that has confronted various governments since the 1970s without resolution.
Additionally, Mr. Koya criticized the council for not collecting garbage from nearby villages, leading to waste ending up in local rivers, which he deemed unacceptable for any city or town.
On a positive note, he praised the 92 percent town rates collection rate in 2016. He underscored that Nadi, as a developing municipality, is vastly different from other towns in Fiji due to its growth, especially from the airport to Denarau. He expressed concern over the stark contrast between the well-developed areas and the neglected parts leading into the town, highlighting the need for council focus on these discrepancies.
Mr. Koya also emphasized the necessity for addressing sewage issues in the town, given its growing population and the presence of numerous large companies and tourism workers. He noted the potential for significant events in the area and insisted on the need for adequate infrastructure and services to make Nadi a standout destination in Fiji.
He advocated for regular audits and performance evaluations within the Nadi Town Council, urging the Ministry of Local Government to reevaluate its approach to Nadi Town, which serves as a primary entry point for tourists visiting Fiji. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of improving the town area to realize its potential as a key tourist hub.