The ongoing Vunato dump fire in Lautoka has once again sparked outrage.
Lautoka City Ratepayers and Residents Association president Narayan Reddy believes someone should be held responsible for the disaster that continues to blanket nearby communities and businesses in thick, choking smoke. We couldn’t agree more. It’s about time someone is held to account.
Mr Reddy has raised what many frustrated residents have long felt, that the Vunato fire has become a serious health hazard. And yet, despite years of complaints, little seems to change. Year after year, the fires return, filling the air with toxic fumes and leaving residents and workers struggling to breathe. It’s unacceptable. It’s a shocker. And clearly, because it keeps happening, it seems no one in authority is truly bothered.
“We should not be allowing this to happen over and over again,” Mr Reddy said. “We have seen these types of fires every year but we don’t see anyone being held accountable.”
He’s right. There must be accountability. Mr Reddy is calling for a full inquiry by the council and relevant authorities to identify those responsible for starting the blaze. “We can’t let this continue like this every year,” he said. “Something needs to be done. So I am calling on our authorities to carry out an investigation into this because this is impacting people’s health and daily lives.” Meanwhile, Lautoka City Council board of special administrators chairperson, Taitusi Rasoki says the council is working to put out the fire despite ongoing challenges.
“The weather is not helping too. We are doing our best to put out the fire but it continues because it is happening metres below ground level,” he said.
Again, we say, that’s not good enough.
Lautoka residents have heard the same excuses before.
On September 29, 2023, they were promised real change. That day, Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa announced that the health hazards caused by fires at the Vunato Dump site would soon be a thing of the past. His words gave residents hope that the years of smoke, stench, and sickness might finally end.
But here we are again, another year, another fire, another round of explanations.
This isn’t a new problem. Back in September 2022, arson was identified as the cause of the Vunato fires, and police were informed. At the time, then Lautoka City Council chief executive officer, Mohammed Anees Khan clarified that the council did not use fire to manage waste, instead relying on natural decomposition. Yet the fires keep happening. If arson was indeed involved then, why haven’t we learned from it? Where are the safeguards, the monitoring systems, and the accountability measures to ensure it doesn’t happen again?
The Vunato fire is a public health crisis. It affects everyone: the elderly, children, families, and workers who have no choice but to live or operate near the dump. The smoke causes breathing difficulties, irritates eyes and throats, and contributes to long-term respiratory issues. It also undermines Lautoka’s image as the country’s Sugar City, a place that should be clean, safe, and healthy for its people and for visitors.
Enough is enough.
We need clear answers, accountability, and urgent action.
If this is a case of negligence or deliberate fire-setting, then those responsible must face the law. If it is a matter of poor management, then those in charge must be replaced by people who can deliver results. The residents of Lautoka deserve better.
Enough of the talk please! Just cut it out and get some action! Like urgently please!
