Residents of Lakena Hill Number 2 in Nausori are raising serious concerns over a growing rubbish dump they say has been left unattended for months, posing health and environmental risks to families in the area.
Laisa Kocovanua, 40, who has lived in Lakena for 20 years, said the problem had persisted since last year despite residents paying weekly rubbish collection fees.
“This big rubbish dump has been here for like half of last year to this year,” Ms Kocovanua said.
“And no one is doing anything about it.”
She said residents pay $3 a week for rubbish collection, but services appear inconsistent.
“We have been paying $3 every week to a committee over here for rubbish collection, and one week the rubbish lorry comes and takes the rubbish, the other week, I don’t know what happens.
“Actually this dump has been here from last year.”
Ms Kocovanua said her husband had often taken the initiative to clean the area.
“He cleans it, but no one helps him.
“Sometimes the Lakena team, they come and help him clean this place, but the dump returns back to this condition.”
She said the situation worsens during heavy rain.
“This is affecting our children, affecting the nearby houses, and when it rains, half of this rubbish covers the road.
“This is because this place is full of rubbish and has blocked the drain.
“And I am just crying out, requesting the authorities here in Nausori to help us clear this place.
“There are diapers scattered everywhere.”
She said the dump was the result of people in their area who do not care about their environment.
“Some people send their children to throw the rubbish and the children can’t reach the bin, so they dump it here.”
Another resident, Nitesh Naidu, who lives near the dump, shared similar concerns.
“Most of the times we have to have our doors and windows closed,” he said.
“The stench from the dump is unbearable. The dump is producing flies, cockroaches, mosquitoes and other insects which are harmful to our health.
“It’s a humble plea to the Nausori Town Council to help us clear this place.”
