The Lautoka City Council has implemented round-the-clock security at its municipal landfill to prevent fire outbreaks following a major blaze in August last year, says head of services Shalend Singh.
Mr Singh confirmed that additional safety measures are now fully operational, including mandatory 24-hour personnel at both the site office and a dedicated security booth positioned inside the dump area.
“Security is required to be stationed inside the landfill on a tower, overlooking and watching the dump, especially in the nighttime and early hours, to report any sightings of fire so we can respond in a timely manner,” he said.
Mr Singh said the fire incidents at the landfill site had decreased significantly since the heightened measures were introduced. While funding was allocated in the previous national budget for a feasibility study to identify a suitable location, Mr Singh said the selection process remains at the preliminary stage with no site finalised.
“Council would like to see a Western Regional Landfill site finalised and managed properly so we can address the issues we are facing,”
He also stressed the critical need for direct involvement of the Local Government Ministry, which provides essential funding to assist councils with collection in rural communities.
