Blocked drains and culverts near the Raiwaqa Market in Suva are causing considerable distress for vendors and local residents who are dealing with unpleasant odors from the area. Marisia Vusonilawa, a concerned resident, highlighted that rubbish has gone uncollected for weeks, exacerbating the situation.
Vusonilawa described how a culvert behind the market connects to a drain that leads down to the Wailea squatter settlement. She reported that during rain, water accumulates, causing it to flow back into the ground, even affecting the lower level of the nearby Catholic Church hall. Despite numerous requests to the Suva City Council for assistance, no action has been taken to alleviate the issue.
“This is the first time for rubbish to be piled up in the culvert,” Vusonilawa noted, adding that this ongoing problem worsens with each rainy season. The foul smell is often noticeable from the main road, impacting both vendors and their customers. She urged the council to intervene and clean the area, stressing the importance of improved health conditions for the community.
Increased efforts from local authorities to clear the blockages and maintain cleanliness could lead to significantly enhanced living conditions for both residents and market vendors, creating a healthier environment for all. The community remains hopeful for a swift response from the council to resolve these pressing issues.