IMPROPER rubbish disposal in Tavakubu, Lautoka, has raised concerns over pollution, blocked drains, flooding, and potential health risks during heavy rain.
In an interview Lautoka Ratepayers and Residents Association president Narayan Reddy said residents needed to change their attitudes towards rubbish disposal.
Mr Reddy said a creek near the Tavakubu Police Post had been used as a dumping site for years and was now filled with rubbish.
“If you look around Lautoka, we have a couple of creeks similar to that,” he said.
“What we are seeing is people throwing rubbish in the creek or the drains and it will eventually be carried by flowing water into the sea.”
He said the penalty for littering had increased from $42 to $200, but enforcement alone would not address the problem.
“Most people are educated enough to know not to litter and not to throw rubbish into the sea or into the drains.”
He said the Lautoka City Council had also arranged rubbish collection for informal settlements, where collection services had previously been unavailable.
