Soisoi’s PERSISTENT flY infestation a wake-up call for authorities
Just outside Labasa Town, a settlement is struggling to get by with an enemy that is threatening their health. Flies infest homes of Soisoi Settlement to a point where the residents find it difficult to eat and sleep.
It’s a constant battle for residents who have been living with this issue for about three years.
After constant contact from residents, a government team yesterday conducted an inspection and carried out a pest control exercise, which is a positive step towards addressing the immediate issue at hand.
However, it is crucial that these efforts are followed up with a comprehensive and sustained plan to tackle the root cause of this persistent fly infestation. The residents eagerly await the proposed meeting between the ministry, relevant stakeholders, and themselves, scheduled for next week.
This gathering must be more than a mere discussion; it needs to result in tangible and effective solutions.
The community’s plight should serve as a wakeup call to authorities, urging them to prioritise sanitation and public health in neglected areas like Soisoi.
It is the responsibility of the relevant authorities to ensure the well-being of all citizens, regardless of their location or socio-economic background. Neglecting the sanitation needs of communities not only compromises their health and quality of life but also reflects poorly on the government’s commitment to the welfare of its people.
The ministry should also conduct a thorough investigation of how this fly problem came about in order to curb it.
Flies are known to be carriers of various diseasecausing organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
When flies come into contact with contaminated substances or fecal matter, they can pick up pathogens on their bodies and transport them to other surfaces, food, or directly onto humans.
Time is of the essence, and the residents of Soisoi Settlement cannot bear this burden any longer.
Urgent action is not only desired, but absolutely necessary to restore their dignity, safeguard their health, and provide them with the basic living conditions they deserve.
Let this be a wake-up call for authorities to rectify this overlooked sanitation crisis and work towards building a healthier, safer future for all Fijians.