A fire at the Vunato landfill in Lautoka has once again filled the city with thick smoke, raising serious health concerns among its residents. This recurring issue has haunted the community for years, with smoke often lingering for days and spreading unpleasant odors throughout Lautoka.
While the cause of the latest fire remains unconfirmed, local residents have voiced their frustration over the repetitive nature of these incidents and are calling for permanent solutions. Narayan Reddy, President of the Lautoka Ratepayers Association, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting he alerted authorities early in the morning due to the potentially hazardous conditions. “This has been an ongoing problem for the last 10 years. Every year after the clean-up campaign, the fire starts, and this year is no exception,” Reddy stated.
Residents are particularly distressed about the unbearable stench emanating from the landfill during fires. Lodoviko Cakau highlighted the health risks posed by the variety of waste dumped at the site, which includes chemicals, household items, and industrial waste. “When a fire starts, the smoke spreads that awful odor across the area,” he commented.
Mereia Naimutu, President of the Lovu HART Community, raised additional concerns regarding vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and individuals with disabilities. She stressed that the health risks from the smoke are particularly alarming for these groups. “We have many elderly people and children here. Some live with disabilities, and others are unwell. This is a real concern for us—especially for their health when the smoke spreads,” Naimutu expressed.
In response to these ongoing challenges, residents are demanding a sustainable solution to prevent landfill fires and protect their health from continuous smoke exposure. Suggestions have included the installation of hydrants at the site to assist firefighters in controlling future incidents effectively.
Looking forward, Lautoka City Council CEO Mohammed Khan announced a feasibility study for a new landfill site that aims to replicate the successful Naboro Landfill model. This initiative signifies a hopeful step towards overcoming long-standing waste management issues that have plagued the city. With cooperation between local government and community stakeholders, there is renewed optimism that effective waste management solutions will be realized, ultimately improving health and environmental conditions for the residents of Lautoka.