The revelation by the Lautoka City Council that fires at the Vunato rubbish dump site can reoccur is a major concern. Yes, we understand that such incidents may happen. But the real question is why? Why should they be happening? Why are these fires becoming a regular occurrence? And why are we still struggling to respond to them quickly and effectively?
Every time the Vunato dump catches fire, it’s the same story. Thick black smoke billows into the Lautoka sky, residents are forced to breathe in toxic fumes, and the city scrambles to put out the blaze. We are told, as always, that it’s not easy to extinguish the fire, that it takes time, resources, and coordination. But if we already know this, shouldn’t we also be prepared? Shouldn’t we have a clear, proactive plan to prevent such fires in the first place, or at least respond to them with greater efficiency?
For the people of Lautoka, this is not just a nuisance. It’s a health hazard. Every fire releases fumes and pollutants into the air, affecting families, schools, and businesses. Residents deserve clean air, not a cycle of repeated excuses and delayed responses. If we continue at this rate, we might as well brace ourselves for yet another Vunato fire next year, and another round of press releases, explanations, and frustration as the Sugar City disappears under a cloud of smoke.
It’s time to break this cycle.
Council chair of special administrators Taitusi Rasoki told reporters this week that plans are in place to address the issue, to be finalised after consultations with stakeholders. He said the latest fire at Vunato began on October 19 around 6.45am and that the council is “seriously looking at placing a ban on waste picking by Collection Pillars of Recycling from the landfill”, noting that this practice has become a major challenge.
According to Mr Rasoki, only authorised personnel and dump users will be permitted access to the site, and any trespassers will be reported to police for prosecution. That is a step in the right direction. If people are illegally entering the dump and contributing to the risk of fires, then enforcement is necessary. Make the tough calls. Protect the community.
He explained that two water-carting trucks are operating continuously, refilling from Naikabula, while two water pumps draw water from nearby canals. Twelve staff members are working 10- to 12-hour shifts around the clock to control the blaze. Efforts are now focused on reducing smoke, though dry and windy conditions, along with unauthorised entries, continue to pose challenges. The council has even had to rely on seawater during high tide.
Clearly, the council is under immense pressure. But so are the people of Lautoka, who have lived with this problem for far too long. The situation demands more than reactive firefighting. It calls for prevention, planning, and investment. Perhaps it’s time to review waste-management practices nationwide. Are other dump sites across the country facing similar risks? If so, let’s learn from them, or better yet, lead the way in setting higher standards for landfill safety and monitoring.
The Vunato dump fire is a reminder of how environmental neglect can quickly turn into a public-health crisis. The city owes it to its residents to end this cycle of smoke and excuses.
Now that we know the challenges, limited water access, illegal entry, windy conditions, let’s address them. Lautoka cannot afford to keep repeating this story year after year.
Enough talk. Enough smoke. Let’s stop the fires at Vunato once and for all.
