Councils Highlight Problems

The lack of manpower and funding to properly manage waste disposal are issues faced by the Suva City and Nausori Town Councils.

During the Litter Management Think Tank meet yesterday, Nausori Town Council acting chief executive officer, Lydia Lazel-Racule, said compliance with the Litter Act was also an issue. “We have an issue with the Act, the fine is only $40, it’s so easy for people to pay $40 and recommit the same offence,” she said.

“Then we have the seven days that we have to lodge a complaint in court for breaching this Act, when we lodge it we pay a fee of $32.70, but then the Act says the offender has 30 days to pay $40.

“We paid in court for $32.70 and yet the offender still has 30 days to pay that $40.”

This, she said, was where the issue was.

She recommended that the Act be amended.

Suva City Council

Director Health of the Suva City Council, Naresh Narayan, said the attitude of ratepayers was an ongoing issue.

“As far as the council is concerned, irrespective of how much you put up a robust rubbish collection programme, we keep improving services, but the expectation of people changes,” he said.