Sewage Woes: Business Owners Cry for Help in Suva

Shopkeepers along Cumming Street in Suva were compelled to close their businesses early due to an overwhelming stench and sewage overflow that plagued the area. The issue has been a persistent problem for over three years, according to Manohar Lal, the managing director of one of the affected shops. He expressed frustration over the lack of action from authorities after making complaints, stating he only received a complaint number without any follow-up.

The situation has not only disrupted business but has also taken a toll on the health of Mr. Lal’s employees, who have been tasked with clearing the sewage, a job they should not be doing. He raised concerns over the financial losses stemming from this ongoing issue, emphasizing the impact on his livelihood.

In response to the situation, Tevita Boseiwaqa, the chief executive of Suva City Council, noted that the matter has been referred to the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF). He stressed that resolving the wastewater problem lies legally with WAF, and the council’s role is to facilitate communication.

Dr. Amit Chanan, the CEO of WAF, later confirmed that the wastewater overflow problem on Cumming Street had been addressed successfully by their teams, who worked late into the night to rectify the issue.

This ongoing dialogue between business owners and local authorities underscores the importance of addressing infrastructure issues promptly to protect livelihoods and public health. Positive outcomes can arise from community engagement and governmental responsibility, as exemplified by the swift action taken by WAF to resolve the overflow, which reflects a commitment to improving local conditions.

Summary: Shop owners in Suva faced early closures due to a sewage overflow problem that has persisted for years. After raising complaints with local authorities, action was finally taken by the Water Authority of Fiji, who resolved the issue. This situation highlights the necessity for urgent attention to infrastructure problems to safeguard both health and businesses.