Macuata-i-Wai calls for urgent waste management support

Waste disposal remains one of the biggest challenges for residents living on Macuata-i-Wai as basic services such as rubbish collection are not available.

Macuata-i-Wai village headwoman Laisana Tokaduadua said islanders have to manage their own waste due to their remote location, making proper rubbish disposal difficult.

She said the absence of regular collection services has affected the environment, public health and the overall wellbeing of the community.

“We live on an island and services like rubbish collection do not happen here, and this makes it very challenging for us to manage waste properly,” Ms Tokaduadua said.

She explained that while non-biodegradable waste remains a major concern, villagers make an effort to manage organic waste through traditional and sustainable practices.

Food scraps and peelings from root crops and fruits are decomposed and used as compost in home gardens.

“This helps reduce the amount of rubbish and supports our farming. We use peelings to fertilise our soil, which is important for food security,” she said.

She said these practices have been passed down through generations and continue to play an important role in island life.

However, she stressed that managing plastic and other non-degradable waste remains a serious challenge.

Ms Tokaduadua called for greater support and awareness on sustainable waste management solutions for island communities.

Despite the challenges, the community remains committed to protecting the environment and living sustainably, while hoping for improved services in the future.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has been approached for comment. At the time of publication, no response had been received.