Residents of Vacoko are reporting that the odor emanating from the Naboro Landfill is impacting their everyday lives. Turaganikoro Lakepa Raicakacaka, 55, shared that they experience the unpleasant smell almost daily due to the landfill’s proximity to their village.
“The stench from the landfill is a nuisance for us,” Mr. Raicakacaka stated, describing how unbearable it becomes when the wind directs it towards their homes. He noted that they have little choice but to endure the situation as they live near the site.
Mr. Raicakacaka highlighted that the foul smell is particularly noticeable on hot and rainy days, emphasizing, “The stench comes and goes, and it’s been affecting us for so many years now.”
Tevita Naucamalua, a 73-year-old villager and former baker, compared the odor to that experienced in Nadonumai, Lami, when that area’s rubbish dump was operational. He expressed concern that wastewater from the landfill is contaminating the mangroves and the river where they fish, noting, “The fish doesn’t taste the same as it did before. The flesh of the fish we catch now is very soft.”
Mr. Naucamalua also mentioned that the strong odor has led to an increase in flies in the area, which he believes poses health risks. “We are now dealing with so many flies at our settlement; it’s a constant nuisance and a source of disease,” he stated.
Several village women, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed that the smell disrupts their sleep at night. One woman lamented, “It’s just unbearable. It’s very bad during hot windy days and when it rains. The odor is foul, and when it comes, we close our doors and windows. It’s worse when it arrives at night because we are unable to sleep.”
The villagers are urging authorities to take action to resolve the issue.
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