Residents of Nanuku Settlement in Vatuwaqa have raised ongoing concerns over irregular rubbish collection, citing health and environmental risks.
Many are calling for urgent action from municipal authorities.
Speaking to The Fiji Times this week, 21-year-old Drishti Chand, who has lived in the settlement for over three years, expressed frustration at the infrequent rubbish pickups and poor waste management.
“The bin often overflows, and people end up dumping their rubbish beside it,” Ms Chand said.
“Everyone in Nanuku Settlement cleans their area and brings rubbish here, but when collection is delayed, it piles up.
“Dogs then tear into the rubbish, scattering waste everywhere.
“Just last night, visitors could smell the rubbish from the bin area, it’s unhealthy.”
Ms Chand called for a consistent waste collection schedule, saying trucks only visit “once or twice a month.”
“The rubbish truck comes once a month, sometimes twice, depending on how full the bin gets,” she said.
“But people keep dumping rubbish, and it overflows. We need to fix this. Even though this is a settlement, it doesn’t need to be dirty. We all need to work together to dispose of rubbish properly,” Ms Chand said.
Attempts to get a response on collection schedules from Suva City Council CEO Tevita Bosewaqa have so far been unsuccessful.
