Dump site relocation plans underway

LIn the meantime, the council has collaborated with the University of the South Pacific for the installation of a “high volume air sampler”. This gadget will collect and monitor air quality data.

autoka City Council chief executive officer Mohammed Khan had confirmed discussions into relocating the Vunato dump site.

However, no timeframe has been confirmed yet.

But in the meantime, the council has collaborated with the University of the South Pacific for the installation of a “high volume air sampler”.

“This gadget will collect and monitor air quality data. In events where high level of obnoxious particulate matter are present in the air, appropriate warnings and health advises will be notified by relevant authorities, to residents and general public on precautionary measures,” Mr Khan.

“Options can be considered to restrict movement within heavily affected areas of the city,” he said.

“Furthermore, we are also working to reduce the rubbish load coming into the Vunato Dump, the council is promoting the separation of garbage at source.

“Which means if the residents and industry owners are able to separate the green waste to go to their own composts, and Paper, plastics, cans and bottles to go recycling.”

He said the council had established a collection centre at the IYC Park on Thompson Crescent for plastics, cans and bottles.

“Having this (3R’s) done efficiently by all responsible, the rubbish load going into the Vunato Dump will be drastically minimized. And this will reduce any risk of large unmanageable fires.

“The council is always vigilant to take pro-active approach with deployment of more security measures at least to inform at early stages so appropriate procedures are deployed to avoid further spread of fire by containing in the same cell.”

He said since October 2023, with the continuous rain conditions, the council was fortunate that no new fire had broken in the land fill site.