Residents raise concerns

RESIDENTS of Wailea Settlement in Vatuwaqa, Suva, have raised concerns at the sewer overflow into the creek that runs between Raiwaqa and Vatuwaqa.

They claim that the problem occurs every time it rains in Suva.

Resident, Etuate Bale, 77, said he’s gotten sick many times as a result of the foul smell from the overflow beside his house.

“I am talking about the sewer chamber underneath the bridge beside our house,” Mr Bale said.

“Every time it rains, they (Water Authority of Fiji) open the chamber valve and the sewer overflows into the creek.

“During high tide, that dirty sewer water is pushed into our compound. It smells so bad that we close the windows and doors and stay in the house.”

Fellow resident Savenaca Kaunisela, 35, also made similar sentiments.

“There are eight children in our house and this sewer overflow is affecting their health,” Mr Kaunisela said.

“I do not understand why the Water Authority opens the sewer chamber when they know very well there are so many people residing by the creek.

“Sometimes the sewer overflows for up to three days and it becomes hard for us to breathe or eat.”

Another resident, Salesh Singh, 42, said overflow was the major problem they faced in their area.

“People are getting sick due to this problem,” he said.

“We have raised our voices so many times, but nothing has been done.

“This is a heavily populated area and people’s health is being affected.

“People have no other place to go but to stay here and bear the problem.

“I urge the authorities to think about the residents and children living here.”

The authority said illegal stormwater connections into the sewer system and the high infiltration of stormwater entering the sewer network was the main cause of the sewer overflow.

I do not understand why the Water Authority opens the sewer chamber when they know very well there are so many people residing by the creek

– Savenaca Kaunisela