The Suva City Council (SCC) is currently facing challenges with waste collection due to a shortage of rubbish trucks, as stated by executive chairperson Tevita Boseiwaqa. This situation has led to complaints from residents of Bayview Heights regarding the unpleasant odors emanating from heaps of uncollected rubbish along the streets.
Resident Jotame Baleiwai voiced his concerns about the lack of timely rubbish collection, expressing frustration that the SCC has not adequately communicated the reasons for these delays. He mentioned that, although regular kitchen waste is sometimes collected, larger piles of refuse have remained untouched for days, contributing to the distress in the neighborhood.
Another resident, Losana Raikibeqa, revealed that the growing rubbish pile near her residence is having adverse effects on her family’s health. She noted that the smell is particularly severe on rainy days, and with her grandchildren frequently passing by the waste on their way to school, it has contributed to illnesses within the household.
Some anonymous community members indicated that the area has become a target for unauthorized rubbish dumping by outsiders, exacerbating the problem.
Mr. Boseiwaqa acknowledged the residents’ frustrations and stated that the SCC is actively seeking alternative measures to enhance their waste collection services. Currently, they have resorted to hiring extra garbage trucks, which significantly escalates their operational costs.
He also emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining cleanliness, suggesting that many residents are not fully aware of the designated waste collection schedules or do not take sufficient responsibility for waste disposal.
In light of these challenges, there is hope on the horizon as the council explores solutions to enhance service delivery and community awareness. This situation serves as a reminder of the significance of community engagement in waste management efforts, and with proper communication and responsibility from both the SCC and residents, a cleaner, healthier environment can be achieved.
Leave a comment