The Suva City Council (SCC) is facing challenges in maintaining waste collection schedules due to a shortage of rubbish trucks, as highlighted by executive chairperson Tevita Boseiwaqa. This issue has particularly affected residents in Bayview Heights, who have expressed their frustration over the unpleasant odour from accumulated rubbish left uncollected at the roadside.
One resident, Jotame Baleiwai, voiced his dissatisfaction with the SCC’s delayed response in addressing the build-up of waste. Despite attempting to contact the council for assistance, he noted that only regular kitchen rubbish was being collected, leaving larger mounds of waste untouched for days. Another resident, Losana Raikibeqa, reported health concerns stemming from the overwhelming smell and the infestation of pests around her home, exacerbated by the presence of the trash.
Raikibeqa shared that the situation has impacted her family’s wellbeing, as the smell worsens in rainy conditions and has contributed to illnesses among her grandchildren. Other residents worry that individuals from outside the community are also contributing to the problem by dumping their waste without regard for the local environment.
In response to these complaints, Mr. Boseiwaqa acknowledged the challenges faced by the community and mentioned the SCC’s efforts to hire additional garbage trucks as a temporary solution. However, he pointed out the high costs associated with this service, estimating $500 per trip. Mr. Boseiwaqa also emphasized that better communication regarding waste collection schedules is essential. He noted that some residents do not take adequate measures to keep their surroundings clean, leading to further complications in waste management.
This situation presents an opportunity for the community and the council to work together more effectively. With improved communication on waste collection times and an effort by residents to manage their rubbish responsibly, the conditions in Bayview Heights could see substantial improvement.
By fostering a shared sense of responsibility between the council and residents, there is hope for a cleaner and healthier living environment for everyone in Suva. The SCC’s commitment to exploring alternative solutions provides a positive outlook towards resolving these waste management issues.
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