The National Trust of Fiji (NTF) has raised concerns on the adverse effects of the Sigatoka rubbish dump on property owned by the trust.

In a letter to the permanent secretary for Local Government written on October 3, National Trust of Fiji chairman Sakiusa Bolaira said with Fiji fiercely advocating for an increase in tourist numbers, the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, as an icon of the Coral Coast tourism belt, was clearly at a disadvantage.

“It is clearly evident that the Sigatoka rubbish dump reached its capacity several years ago, is burnt regularly, and overspilled into the park property,” he said in the letter.

He said there were several negative impacts on the national park created by the dump site.

“Fires in the dump which extend into the national park burn dry forest vegetation, a critical habitat for conservation in Fiji.”

“Flies from the dump occur in large numbers at the park’s Visitor Information Centre, negatively influencing visitor experience.

“This matter has been raised with the relevant authorities many times over the past years yet there has been little progress.

“Over the past two years the NTF has seen a significant increase in illegal access and rubbish dumping in the national park.”

Director of Environment Sandeep Singh said they were looking into the matter.