The Standing Committee on Social Affairs has recognized the intentions of municipal councils to hold residents of squatter settlements accountable for the costs associated with improper waste disposal. This discussion took place during the presentation of the Lautoka City Council’s annual reports for the years 2015 to 2017.
Committee chair Iliesa Vanawalu remarked that certain councils have observed considerable mismanagement of waste in these areas, where residents often discard trash indiscriminately. He expressed support for the councils’ future plans that would include squatter settlement residents in the financial responsibilities for waste management.
Mohammed Anees Khan, the CEO of the council, explained that while the current approach does not involve specific targeting of squatter settlements for waste collection, the council has implemented a system encouraging these communities to organize their own waste collection points. This means residents will gather their refuse in designated areas, from which the council will collect the waste, rather than sending collection services door-to-door.
Furthermore, Khan highlighted that the council is collaborating with the Housing Ministry on two ongoing projects aimed at regularizing squatter settlements in Lautoka. Once these projects are completed, the properties will fall under municipal jurisdiction, allowing the council to provide full services and collect city rates, which the squatter settlements currently do not pay.
In summary, the initiative aims to create a more equitable system for waste management and encourages community participation while helping elevate squatter settlements into regulated neighborhoods. This approach not only seeks to improve sanitation and environmental standards but also facilitates residents’ integration into the broader municipal framework.
The positive aspect of this plan lies in its potential to empower residents, fostering a sense of responsibility while also enhancing the living conditions within the settlements. By incentivizing organized waste disposal and regularizing these settlements, the council is taking steps towards a more sustainable urban environment.
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