The Vunato landfill in Lautoka has come under scrutiny for its operational practices, particularly concerning fires that have been deliberately set to manage waste effectively. Peceli Dau, a former supervisor at the landfill who worked there for 13 years, revealed that portions of the site are often ignited to quickly clear waste such as metal scraps. Despite being illegal, Dau explained that this practice occurs when security is insufficient, allowing waste pickers to also set fires. He noted that when fires occur, it falls to council workers to manage the situation with limited resources, frequently leading to smoke spread over the city.
A recent fire originating from the special waste section of the landfill has caused significant concerns, producing heavy smoke that has smothered the main business areas and residential neighborhoods in Lautoka, impacting visibility and raising health issues for local inhabitants. Residents, particularly the young and elderly, have reported respiratory difficulties, further compounded by continuing environmental issues linked to the landfill’s management.
In response to the ongoing health crisis, Taitusi Rasoki, the Special Administrator Chair of the Lautoka City Council, announced efforts to control the smoke. He acknowledged challenges like wind direction but assured that the council is working on strategies to enhance fire responses. A multi-faceted approach is under consideration, which includes constructing monitoring towers to immediately detect and report issues from within the landfill.
Despite the pressing challenges, positive steps are being taken towards a sustainable solution for waste management in Lautoka. The council is collaborating with the Ministry of Local Government on initiatives aimed at mitigating landfill fires and establishing a new landfill site. This venture is crucial given that the Vunato dump currently manages approximately 75.5 tonnes of waste daily, a figure that underscores the extensive pressures on the facility.
Hope is rising within the community as discussions unfold about a feasibility study for a new landfill, reflecting broader efforts across Fiji to address the environmental issues posed by current waste practices. By fostering sustainable waste management strategies, including promoting recycling and waste segregation, local authorities aim to assure both the health of residents and the environmental integrity of Fiji for future generations. There is optimism that these efforts will lead to a healthier and more sustainable community as they address long-standing waste management challenges.