Villages to face stricter public health requirements

Villages across Fiji will be brought under the same public health requirements as towns and cities following amendments to the 1935 Public Health Act.

The amendments are intended to strengthen sanitation, drinking water safety, waste management and the prevention of infectious diseases across the country.

For ordinary Fijians, this could mean greater attention to sanitation, stagnant water, mosquito breeding sites, waste disposal and other conditions that may put community health at risk.

Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu said extending the law to villages did not mean traditional leadership would be replaced.

“We face complex challenges including infectious disease, climate-related health risks, water contamination, inadequate sanitation, poor waste management, vector-borne diseases, and overcrowding.

“These developments make it necessary to ensure the legislation remains relevant to our people's needs,” he said.

The Bill proposes a minimum separation distance of 50 metres between toilets and other sanitary facilities, and wells or boreholes to reduce the risk of drinking water contamination.

It would also strengthen water monitoring. Where a water source is found to be contaminated, authorities could restrict access, arrange alternative safe drinking water and require action to address the problem.

Environmental health practitioners would have stronger powers to inspect premises, collect samples and issue notices.

The amendments also propose stronger responses to infectious disease outbreaks and improved management of healthcare waste.

Dr Lalabalavu said the changes were intended to strengthen prevention.

“The principle behind this Bill is straightforward. Prevention is better than cure,” he said.

Fines would increase to up to $1,000 for certain public health nuisance offences, while specified offences involving interference with infectious disease control orders could attract fines of up to $10,000.