Residents of Caubati in Nasinu were left frustrated after piles of rubbish remained scattered along roadsides and near homes, despite the scheduled rubbish collection earlier this week.
Household waste, including bags of mixed rubbish and discarded cartons, were still visible long after the rubbish truck had made its rounds, prompting concerns from residents about health and sanitation risks, particularly for children and the elderly.
Several residents claimed that while the rubbish truck did arrive on collection day, it was already full by the time it reached parts of the settlement. As a result, only some bins and bags were collected, leaving excess rubbish behind.
“The truck came, but it was already full with household rubbish from other areas,” resident Netani Yali said.
“They picked up what they could and then left. The extra rubbish was just left there.”
He said the truck did not return to collect the remaining waste, despite expectations that a second trip would be made.
Mr Yali said the situation has become a recurring issue, especially during weeks when households produce more waste.
“We try our best to put rubbish out on the correct day, but when it’s not collected, it stays there for days.”
Concerns were raised about stray dogs tearing open rubbish bags, spreading waste further and creating an unpleasant environment.
Residents are calling on the relevant authorities to review rubbish collection schedules and ensure trucks are able to make return trips when full.
Mr Yali said a more reliable waste collection service is needed to prevent rubbish from piling up and to maintain cleanliness in the growing Nasinu community.
