Residents of Vacoko are expressing concerns that the unpleasant odor from the nearby Naboro Landfill is significantly impacting their daily lives. Turaganikoro Lakepa Raicakacaka, a 55-year-old villager, reported that the smell is a regular nuisance due to the landfill’s proximity to their community.
“The stench from the landfill is a major disturbance for us,” Mr. Raicakacaka stated. “It becomes unbearable when the wind blows towards our village. We feel powerless to do anything about it given our location.”
He highlighted that the foul odor is particularly severe during hot and rainy weather, saying, “The smell varies but has consistently plagued us for many years.”
Tevita Naucamalua, a 73-year-old former baker from Ballantine Memorial School in Lami, remarked that the odor is reminiscent of the smells experienced at the Nadonumai rubbish dump when it was active. He claimed that wastewater from the landfill is infiltrating the mangroves and nearby river, affecting local fish populations.
“The fish doesn’t taste as it once did. The ones we catch now have very soft flesh,” he explained. Additionally, Mr. Naucamalua noted that the stench has led to an increase in flies in their area, which he believes poses health risks.
“Now we are dealing with an overwhelming number of flies in our settlement, which is a constant annoyance and a potential source of disease,” he said.
Some women from the village, who chose to remain anonymous, reported struggling to sleep at night due to the odor. “It’s just unbearable,” one woman said, describing how they are forced to close their doors and windows to mitigate the smell, particularly during hot, windy days and rain. “It’s even worse at night when we cannot sleep.”
The villagers are urging local authorities to take action to address the ongoing issue.
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