Residents of a suburb in Suva are frustrated over the growing piles of rubbish accumulating by the roadside, blaming irresponsible dumping by members of the public.
A resident of Nairai Rd in Raiwai, who has been living in the area for more than 15 years, says waste continues to be discarded on the ground despite the presence of an available waste bin.
“It’s an eyesore because it really does not look good when we go to work in the mornings, or when we come back home — rubbish (are scattered) around the bin and not in it,” the resident, who wished to remain unnamed, said.
“This has been a common occurrence, where people in the area do not dispose of their rubbish properly.
“We want the Suva City Council to act please, because this cannot go on.”
Another resident, Maciu Roko, said one of his family members had to dispose of some of the rubbish scattered on the ground into the bin as it was also polluting the sidewalk.
“People can reach the top by just throwing the rubbish over into the bin,” Mr Roko said.
“There is no excuse.
“Sometimes, the rubbish would spread onto the sidewalk and there would be smell coming from the pile.
“(The) Waste management team should do their collection twice a week to minimise the pile and the smell.”
Meanwhile, the Suva City Council (SCC) health and waste management team had conducted a thorough clean-up campaign at the Nairai residential area where they noticed residents using inappropriate containers and takeout bags for the disposal of household waste.
In a social media post earlier this month, SCC stated that the improper disposal method had resulted in garbage being scattered by stray animals, and unsightly appearance of streets and surroundings, and public health concerns due to exposed waste.
“The SCC strongly urges all residents to comply with the regulations by using approved garbage bins that meet the specifications,” SCC said.
“This will ensure a cleaner, safer, and healthier urban environment for everyone.
“Council health inspectors will continue routine checks and will issue penalties for non-compliance under the existing legal provisions.”
