Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar has hinted at a possible increase in garbage fees.

She made the comments at the Suva Foreshore Clean Up organised by the Rotary Club of the Suva Peninsula at My Suva Picnic Park yesterday.

“Suva City Council alone incurs $2.28 million on solid waste management operation. The annual operation cost is funded through general rates, where 12 per cent goes towards solid waste management,” Ms Kumar said.

“Through garbage fee, SCC collects around $328,189 which does not cover the landfill gate fee or tipping fee.

“Around $600,000 is spent annually for tipping around 25,000 tons of city wastes at the Naboro Landfill.”

Ms Kumar said while changes in human behaviour could ensure less waste being taken to Naboro, waste minimisation could only be achieved by costing it properly.

She said improved services comes at a cost which much be recovered.

“It is human nature that we do not want to pay for garbage collection. However, we do pay for electricity, water and internet which are all essential service,” she said.

“However, waste collection is also an essential service but not costed properly.”

Ms Kumar urged people to share the responsibility of waste management. She said it was a costly affair.

Ms Kumar indicated that discussions were on to cost waste collection properly.

Edited by Percy Kean

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