The Lautoka City Council (LCC) is engaged in a relentless battle against a fire at the Vunato dump that has persisted for over a week. The blaze has produced significant smoke, affecting local neighborhoods and endangering the health of residents and businesses nearby. Taitusi Rasoki Kata, chairperson of the LCC board of special administrators, noted that the fire is not merely a surface issue; it is burning several meters beneath the ground, which complicates efforts to locate and extinguish the source. Currently, the council lacks a permanent eradication plan and is relying on teams working around the clock to manage the situation.
In response to ongoing health risks from smoke emissions, former Opposition MP Rinesh Sharma has criticized the authorities for their lack of effective response, arguing that public health protection measures are insufficient. The toxic smoke has led to breathing difficulties and other health concerns, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
The fire at Vunato is not an isolated incident; the site, which processes approximately 75.5 tons of waste daily, has a history of fire-related issues and associated health risks stemming from smoke inhalation. There are concerns that some fires might have been intentionally set as a misguided approach to waste management, prompting questions about operational integrity and accountability.
To address these pressing issues, the LCC is investigating new strategies that include constructing observation towers for quicker smoke detection and enhanced monitoring of landfill conditions. Discussions are also taking place about potentially relocating the landfill and developing sustainable waste management practices, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government.
As the urgent situation unfolds, the emphasis on sustainable waste management is critical for the health and wellbeing of Lautoka’s community. Residents remain optimistic that the proposed initiatives will promote long-term improvements and foster a healthier environment for future generations.