Business leaders warn landfill smoke is hurting Savusavu's tourism image
Chamber says persistent smoke poses health risks, damages tourism reputation and highlights need for a permanent landfill relocation.
Monday 03 August 2026 | 08:00
Smoke emitted from the landfill fire in Savusavu which continues to pose health risk and business downturn.
Smoke from the Naqara landfill is threatening Savusavu's tourism reputation, with business leaders warning the ongoing fire could discourage visitors and damage the town's image as a premier destination.
Savusavu Chamber of Commerce and Industries president Avikash Pillay said the smoke had continued for several days, prompting growing concern among residents and businesses.
"This landfill smoke and burning is creating a negative image for the township's tourism market," Mr Pillay said.
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With three superyachts currently berthed in Savusavu Bay, he warned that pollution could discourage visitors from returning.
"I urge the Town Council and relevant authorities to step up and rectify this issue," he said.
"The smoke started a few days ago and the area continues to emit smoke."
Mr Pillay also raised concerns about the potential health impacts on residents living near the landfill.
Firefighting efforts continue
The Ministry of Local Government said the National Fire Authority (NFA), together with the Savusavu Town Council, continues to manage and suppress a subterranean fire at the landfill.
In a statement, the ministry said emergency crews extinguished surface flames on Saturday, while firefighters remain on standby to tackle underground hotspots.
Over the weekend, Town Council workers buried burning waste to help contain the smoke.
Mr Pillay acknowledged the effort but said it was only a temporary measure.
"Burying it remains an option to solve this issue temporarily," he said.
Calls for landfill relocation
Mr Pillay said stakeholders had long advocated relocating the landfill away from the town centre, arguing the current site posed ongoing environmental and economic risks.
He claimed successive governments had failed to resolve Savusavu's waste disposal challenges.
"All past and the current Government have failed in their attempt to address our garbage disposal problems," he said.
"The landfill needs to be relocated to a site 30 to 40 kilometres from the central business district of Savusavu to ensure air pollution does not drive away business opportunities."
