The Northern Division is currently facing significant challenges related to waste disposal, which is adversely affecting town planning and development. Senior Town Planning Officer for the North, Manasa Tuilau, highlighted that the swift growth of the division has outstripped the availability of crucial infrastructure, with waste management identified as a primary concern.
Tuilau emphasized the urgent need for improved cooperation between governmental bodies and local councils to address these issues. “The main issue right now is the need for proper waste disposal sites. We need to assist with Na Vualiku programs to identify suitable locations. Proper waste management and infrastructure are lagging behind,” she stated.
In response to the growing waste management crisis, the government is collaborating with partners under the Na Vualiku Program to create a Northern Division Master Plan. This initiative will involve reviewing town planning schemes in Labasa and Savusavu while identifying appropriate landfill sites.
Faroon Ali, Acting Manager Planning and Development at the Labasa Town Council, noted that their planning efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their team has selected nine goals to categorize the various issues faced in Labasa, intending to use this information to inform future strategic plans aimed at minimizing the challenges in both Labasa and Savusavu.
This sentiment was echoed by various stakeholders, who agree that coordinated infrastructure development and improved waste management are essential for achieving sustainability in the North. These discussions gained prominence during World Town Planning Day, where the focus on holistic planning and proactive waste management strategies was emphasized.
The Labasa Town Council has also been actively working on waste collection services in collaboration with the Health Ministry. Special Administrator Samuela Ligairi acknowledged ongoing challenges with waste disposal in certain communities and the expansion of waste collection boundaries to areas like Bulileka, Vunika, and Lajonia to mitigate illegal dumping practices.
Efforts to address waste disposal issues reflect a growing commitment to creating better environmental conditions, with the potential to enhance Labasa’s attractiveness as a destination for tourism. By improving waste management practices and aligning them with sustainable development goals, stakeholders are optimistic that these initiatives will lead to significant improvements in community health and environmental conditions, ultimately benefiting the local economy for generations to come.