The rapid increase in population within informal settlements in Suva is putting significant pressure on the waste management team of the Suva City Council (SCC). Chairman Tevita Boseiwaqa addressed the challenges faced by the council in managing the growing volume of waste.
“Garbage collection is not an easy job,” Mr. Boseiwaqa stated, emphasizing the risks involved in handling hazardous waste. He noted that the surge in population in informal areas has led to a notable increase in waste production. According to global standards, waste generation averages about one kilogram per person each day, which for Suva’s population of over 100,000 means roughly 100,000 kilograms, or 1,000 tonnes, of waste is produced daily.
“It’s like a thousand tonnes a day,” he added, pointing out the immense volume that needs to be managed. The main challenge for the SCC is collecting this waste and transporting it to the landfill located in Naboro.
Mr. Boseiwaqa also mentioned that the budget allocated for solid waste management is a substantial part of the overall SCC budget, highlighting the financial pressures involved in maintaining waste management services in the city. He expressed that as Suva continues to grow, the SCC must seek effective strategies to tackle the increasing challenges in waste management.