Residents of Nanuku Settlement in Vatuwaqa have voiced their frustrations regarding sporadic rubbish collection, which they claim poses serious health and environmental hazards. The community is calling for immediate intervention from local municipal authorities to address the escalating issue.
Drishti Chand, a 21-year-old resident and vocal advocate for her community, highlighted the problem, revealing that rubbish pickups occur infrequently, often only once or twice a month. “The bins frequently overflow, leading people to dump their waste beside them,” she expressed. This overflow attracts stray dogs, exacerbating the situation as they scatter refuse across the area.
Echoing sentiments from residents in other regions, such as the Naitonitoni Jetty area in Navua and various neighborhoods in Suva, it becomes evident that careless waste disposal and inadequate infrastructure contribute to a broader challenge of littering and illegal dumping throughout Fiji. In Navua, locals recently called for action against a build-up of rubbish due to illegal dumping practices, while Suva residents have reported a decline in civic pride leading to increased littering.
Chand emphasized the collective responsibility of the community to maintain cleanliness, not only as a matter of pride but for public health. Attempts to obtain a statement from the Suva City Council regarding the rubbish collection schedule have not met with success, which may indicate a need for better communication and engagement between local authorities and residents.
As the community advocates for solutions, there remains hope that increased awareness and cooperation can lead to improved waste management practices. Similar efforts in nearby areas have started to promote community involvement, underscoring the necessity for both residents and local authorities to collaboratively cultivate a cleaner and more sustainable environment. This emerging dialogue may inspire positive steps toward addressing waste challenges in Nanuku Settlement and beyond.
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