Persistent drainage and sanitation challenges near the Nabua bus stop are significantly disrupting local businesses and market vendors, raising serious health concerns. The situation is exacerbated by unpleasant odors and frequent flooding, which have negatively impacted daily operations for those working in the area.
Local vendors and employees have described the foul smell emanating from the nearby drains, which intensifies during rainy weather. Retail worker Elisha Dayal expressed her frustration over how heavy rainfall causes floodwaters to infiltrate shops, complicating business operations and increasing health risks. “Not only us, but all the shops have been going through that; all the shops around here in Nabua are affected by the smells and the drain damage during heavy rain,” Dayal remarked.
Market vendor Vutaieli Tokalaulevu emphasized that the severity of the odor has worsened over time, becoming unbearable for those working in the market. “The drain seems to be causing the smell. When it is windy, that’s when the smell really reaches right inside the market where we are sitting, and it gets even worse when it rains,” Tokalaulevu explained.
Another local resident raised concerns about the pervasive stench in the market, which lingers for hours, making it difficult for vendors to operate effectively. “The smell is very strong. We cannot endure it when it comes out, so they either need to assess the drainage or look into the sewage issues affecting all of us. We are unaware of when they plan to take a closer look at this situation,” they stated.
Despite these grievances, complaints made to the Suva City Council have remained unanswered. The affected individuals are now urging for immediate action to resolve the drainage issues and address the sanitation problems that threaten their livelihoods and public health.
This troubling scenario highlights the crucial need for municipal authorities to respond effectively to infrastructure challenges impacting community well-being. The determination of the vendors and their unified call for assistance serve as a reminder of the importance of implementing effective solutions that prioritize public health and support local economies. The anticipation for positive change remains high as the community continues to advocate for improvements in their environment.