The Suva City Council has ensured that essential services such as solid waste collection continues without disruption despite the containment of the Central Division.

Suva and Lami special administrator chair, Isikeli Tikoduadua, said a special daily COVID-19 awareness programme has been designed for all workers engaged in garbage collection.

“The Suva City Council has continued with normal household solid waste collection,” he said.

“More than 75 per cent of workers in this section made it to work.”

“The Suva City Council is working closely with the Fiji Police Force in managing the logistics of household solid waste collection.

“The Suva City Council is managing collection within the Suva Containment Zone.”

Mr Tikoduadua said the council noted an estimated 50 per cent vendor occupancy at its Central and Mini Markets.

“The council recorded low arrival of buses and commuters at the Suva Bus Stand,” he said.

The council continued to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Suva Retailers Association, Fiji Police Force and other stakeholders during this period.

The Lami Town Council also ensured that normal household solid waste collection services were provided to ratepayers of Lami and the extended Navua area.

“The Lami Town Council has opened the Navua Market and the Lami Market for trading.”

“The Lami Town Council staffs are working closely with the Fiji Police Force and the Ministry for Health and Medical Services,” Mr Tikoduadua said.

Non-Essential Businesses Defy Orders
There were some non-essential businesses which opened up shops despite the directive from authorities.

Parts, panels and paints shops in Samabula were open.

A businessman rushed to open his shop in Samabula after realising that his competitor was open.

According to the directive, only supermarkets and shops selling food and other essential items will remain open so that people can buy these essential items within their respective containment zones.

Markets will remain open only in and for the respective containment zones.

Pharmacies will also remain open.

Restaurants can remain open, but only for takeaway and delivery orders within the containment zones.

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