Rubbish hits back
Yesterday’s front-page headline, ‘Rubbish hits back’, is an eyeopener, a wake-up call for every Fijian. I agree with NDMO director Vasiti Soko that our rubbish is coming back to haunt us, as she announced that one of the main reasons for the widespread flooding events, that occurred in recent days, was clogged drains. Ms Soko shared that the flash foods, which came as a surprise to some communities and caught them off-guard, were because of drains clogged with debris. She rightfully pointed out that green waste, plastic, and trash, which were disposed off indiscriminately, blocked drains and resulted in water movement being blocked. The result- flooding. It is important for members of the community to avoid dumping rubbish, plastic bottles, trash, and debris in drains and to take responsibility to clear blocked drains in their vicinity to avoid flooding, as water will flow. With more rain expected, it is vital that we pay attention to every little action that we as patriotic citizens can take to reduce flooding. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Third world nation
I believe the throwing away of rubbish and plastic bottles everywhere is an integral characteristic of all third world nations. Fiji is no different. We just need to go to the beaches, roadsides, and the corners of almost every street. This behaviour is perpetuated because, I believe, the parents teach their children such behaviour. So, what is the fuss about rubbish and plastic bottles everywhere in Fiji? It is just normal in a Third World country. I mean who makes a nation a Third World nation? There is no one else to blame. You cannot blame the government. Guess who put the government there? Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
Weakening El Nino
El Nino may likely last until mid this year, way shorter than earlier forecasted. We will then see the return of La Nina, much quicker than predicted. What will that mean for us? Will cyclones head more in our direction, instead of bypassing us, to directly affect our island nation? But the last say is with nature anyway, despite all our science and knowledge. We can only try to be proactive each day and adopt adaptive mitigation measures. We can only wait and see, what the new cyclone season, will bring to Fiji and to the neighbouring island nations. Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Player safety
Player safety has gained prominence. For heat protocols in rugby, water breaks have been introduced when temperatures reach certain high levels. I think something similar should be in place when temperatures reach certain low levels. Fijian and other tropical nations have struggled in the past against tier one opposition teams because of low temperatures. If I remember correctly, a past national Fiji rugby team played a match in Europe while snow was falling. Perhaps a hot coffee and blanket break. In fact, due to the effects of climate change, I think in the future water breaks may become long enough for players (in turns) to go and do their weekly shopping. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Sevens coach
Much has been said about Ben Gollings coaching ineffectiveness and the end result has provided Osea Kolinisau an opportunity to fill in the position. From my perspective, unlike Ben, Osea’s coaching ability remains to be seen. The reality of his capabilities will be seen after at least three HSBC 7s tournaments. Not his training scenarios or his playing records. Action breeds courage and confidence. For an imperfect action is always better than a perfect inaction. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Thieves on business
Many small businesses are fading away as they struggle to stay afloat to keep their staff employed. At this time of cost of living crisis, thieves are more in demand in the market of illicit trades. When thieves are charged, the mental stress and effect on the health of the victims should be taken into consideration. They are the ones who suffer the most. Keep the thieves away to survive. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
The word
So far this year, the word of the year has been “brutal”. I observe that it is widely used nowadays and it is an easy to use word. For example, the weather has been brutal in the last couple of months. First it was the brutal heat and then the brutal rain. I will refrain from using it until I have to say this. Tum bhi, Brute! Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Eye-sore
Once again, it’s an eyesore to see the white bags hanging on fences for weeks. It’s high time the LCC and organisers remove after rugby games. It was seen at Nadovu grounds, now in the heart of the city. One should not destroy the aesthetic view of our beloved city. NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
What if we lose?
What will happen to the new 7s coach if the new Fiji 7s team loses again? Sukha Singh Labasa
Extreme rainfall
Climate change isn’t only about temperature rise. The warming of the planet also has repercussions on rainfall. Extreme rainfall becomes more common. If you’ve noticed this past week, rain is getting fiercer. Isa! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Health infrastructure
It’s nice to note that the Australian government has given aid to boost our medical services. Be it a centre or major hospital, the facility needs to be up to par in service, skill, supplies, tech and infrastructure. The maintenance of infrastructure is essential for proficient service delivery. After an outcry the facelift of CWM’s external portion speaks for itself and all thanks to the contributors. The professionals of these departments need to feel at ease in their working environment and so too, the patients. Health services will remain a need in demand for daily living thus it has to be welcoming in structure and service to the needy and provider alike. Leaking airconditioning units or hanging ceiling panels aren’t suitable nor warranted in such essential service arenas. Regular upgrade of buildings and machinery required should be addressed aptly in a state manageable then to leave things destructable lacking sources to achieve revival. For instance the National Diabetes Centre (NDC) is providing care for patients but the site itself Needs Development Change (NDC) to give an appealing feel to frequent visitors. Along with face and tech uplift the availability of proper and adequate parking space should be adhered to. Let’s hope the given aid received is wisely laid for service disruptions to avoid! Authorities ought to plan and develop to provide needs accordingly. Thanks once again for the assistance. Prameeta Chand Suva
Marist 7s kicks off!
The 48th edition of the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s tournament is expected to bring out the best from our local 7s sides and the All Blacks 7s who are here before the exciting battle at the So Kon Po Stadium in the Happy Valley. The Marist 7s tournament previously announced players selected to represent Fiji in HK. Last year, Police Blue were crowned the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s champs after their 15-5 victory over Fiji. It was the second loss for Fiji after going down 14-7 to Tabadamu. The national 7s side started well, but the Police unit was solid in defence and rattled the national side. Inia Tawalo scored first for Fiji, but then it was Police all the way, as former Fiji 7s playmaker Livai Ikanikoda and Peni Kurusiga scored two tries. Terio Tamani nailed any hope of a comeback, as he converted a penalty. Police Blue, Fire and Tabadamu look sharp in attack and defence and will be tested by the All Blacks 7s. Head coach Osea Kolinisau has a mammoth task ahead of him in HK, but then there’s no doubt that Fiji can lose everywhere and anywhere but put up a spirited and dominant performance in HK and win the Cup! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
