A 9-tonne garbage compactor truck handed to the Nausori Town Council is expected to help with the collection of waste from informal settlements, says council CEO Anurashika Bari.
The truck was handed over by Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa at the Suva Civic Centre on Thursday.
Another truck was given to the Savusavu Town Council.
“I think if it wasn’t for this subsidy, we would have not been able to service the informal or the extended town boundaries,” Ms Bari said.
“So, sincere appreciation to the Ministry for Local Government for stepping in to assist the councils.”
Mr Nalumisa said the Local Government Act clearly stipulated the responsibility for solid waste management lies with the town councils or through contracted collection services in delegated areas within the town boundaries.
“It is noteworthy that the municipal councils have been diligently servicing non-ratable houses and premises without imposing any garbage levy,” he said.
“However, due to an increase in solid waste volume and coverage, the costs associated with this collection and disposal have also risen over time.
“To support the councils’ management of these increasing costs, the Government has been providing solid waste subsidies to ensure uninterrupted services since the expanded responsibilities of the councils from 2018.”
