The Suva City Council (SCC) has acknowledged disruptions in waste collection schedules due to a shortage of rubbish trucks, as highlighted by executive chairperson Tevita Boseiwaqa. This response comes after residents of Bayview Heights expressed their frustration regarding the buildup of waste and unpleasant odors emanating from piles of rubbish left at the roadside.
One resident, Jotame Baleiwai, voiced his concerns over the council’s lack of communication about the delays in waste collection, stating that while regular kitchen waste is being collected, larger accumulations remain untouched. Another resident, Losana Raikibeqa, noted that the situation has become a health hazard for her family, with the accumulated rubbish attracting pests and contributing to illness. Raikibeqa remarked that her family’s health has notably deteriorated, attributing it to close proximity to the waste.
Additionally, some anonymous residents shared their concern about individuals from outside the neighborhood contributing to the problem by dumping rubbish.
In light of these issues, Mr. Boseiwaqa stated that the council is exploring alternative solutions to improve service delivery. The SCC has resorted to hiring additional garbage trucks, incurring significant costs—approximately $500 per trip—which amounts to around $2,000 for four trips daily. He also emphasized that many residents seem unaware of waste collection times and are not taking adequate responsibility for their community’s cleanliness.
As the council works to address these challenges, it underlines the importance of community cooperation to maintain a clean environment. This collaborative spirit can ultimately lead to better waste management practices and a healthier living space for Bayview Heights residents. The SCC is determined to find effective solutions and improve communication with the public to meet the community’s needs in a timely manner.
Overall, while the current situation presents challenges, it also opens avenues for community engagement and improvement in waste management practices moving forward.
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