The Standing Committee on Social Affairs has recognized the intentions of municipal councils to require residents of squatter settlements to shoulder the costs associated with improper trash disposal. During the presentation of the Lautoka City Council’s 2015-2017 annual reports, committee chair Iliesa Vanawalu expressed concern over the issue, noting that many residents of these areas do not properly manage their waste and have not been held accountable. He emphasized the need for these residents to be included in the council’s plans regarding waste management.
Council CEO Mohammed Anees Khan pointed out that while this situation doesn’t currently exist in Lautoka, the council has implemented a strategy aimed at alleviating waste collection challenges. Instead of collecting waste from each individual residence in squatter settlements, the council encourages these communities to form committees to designate a common collection point. This collaborative approach helps keep the area organized while facilitating easier waste collection for the council.
Moreover, Khan mentioned that the council is collaborating with the Housing Ministry on two initiatives that aim to regularize squatter settlements in Lautoka. Once these projects are completed and transferred to the ministry, they will fall within municipal boundaries, allowing the council to provide full services and begin charging city rates to these residents, who currently do not pay any fees.
This development signals a proactive step toward involving all community members in responsible waste management and improving living standards in squatter areas. The partnership between municipal councils and local communities could lead to a cleaner and more organized environment in the future, fostering a sense of responsibility among residents.
In summary, municipal councils are moving towards holding squatter settlement residents accountable for waste management, promoting collaboration for better waste collection while working on projects that will eventually offer these communities full municipal services.
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