The Suva City Council (SCC) is currently facing challenges in waste collection due to a shortage of rubbish trucks, as expressed by executive chairperson Tevita Boseiwaqa. This issue has sparked complaints from residents in Bayview Heights about the unpleasant odors emanating from piles of uncollected rubbish.
Resident Jotame Baleiwai voiced his frustration over the SCC’s delayed responses regarding waste collection, stating that while some regular kitchen waste was picked up, larger piles of garbage have been left unattended for days. Another resident, Losana Raikibeqa, highlighted health concerns related to the rubbish, recounting how the smell worsens during rainy weather and has affected her family’s well-being, particularly her grandchildren.
Residents have also reported that people from outside the community have started using the area as a dumping site, exacerbating the problem. Boseiwaqa acknowledged these concerns and mentioned that the council is exploring alternative solutions to enhance waste management services. This includes hiring extra garbage trucks, which has proven costly, with expenses reaching around $2,000 per day for multiple trips.
Boseiwaqa noted that part of the issue stems from residents’ lack of awareness regarding collection schedules and their role in maintaining cleanliness within the community. While garbage collectors only gather kitchen waste, he emphasized the importance of responsible disposal practices among residents.
This situation may highlight the need for improved communication and community engagement from the SCC, fostering a collective effort to manage waste more effectively. By working together, residents and council officials can hopefully create a cleaner and healthier environment for all.
In summary, while the current waste collection issues in Bayview Heights are concerning, they present an opportunity for the Suva City Council and residents to collaborate on solutions that enhance community responsibility and service delivery.
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