Shop owners on Cumming Street in Suva faced an unfortunate situation yesterday, as they had to close their businesses early due to a strong odor and overflowing sewage. The problem has been persistent for over three years, particularly exacerbating during rainy weather, as reported by Managing Director Manohar Lal. He expressed frustration over the lack of response from authorities after lodging complaints, receiving little more than a reference number without further action.
Mr. Lal emphasized that this ongoing issue has negatively impacted the health of his employees and his business’s income. He lamented the burden placed on his workers to manage the sewage overflow, which he argued is not their responsibility.
In response, Tevita Boseiwaqa, the chief executive of the Suva City Council, stated that the matter has been handed over to the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) for resolution. He acknowledged that the Council’s powers are limited in this area and that they could not intervene directly due to legal constraints. However, he assured that the Council would support WAF in addressing the issue.
Dr. Amit Chanan, CEO of WAF, confirmed that the situation on Cumming Street has been remedied, with their teams working late to resolve the wastewater overflow.
This incident highlights the critical need for sustainable infrastructure and effective communication channels between local authorities and businesses to ensure such issues are addressed promptly, ultimately contributing to the overall health of the community and local economy.
The resolution of the leak offers hope that authorities will take proactive measures to prevent future occurrences and strengthen community relations. Additionally, it underscores the importance of prioritizing public health and sanitation in urban planning.
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