Public Health Bill consultation highlights poor waste disposal in Labasa

People in parts of Labasa are dumping old clothes, used underwear and diapers in drains, with some waiting for heavy rain to wash the rubbish into nearby streams, the Standing Committee on Social Affairs has been told.

Committee member Shalen Kumar raised the issue during consultations on the Public Health Amendment Bill at the Labasa Civic Centre.

He said the information was shared during the committee’s consultation at Vunika last Monday.

“We were told that some people living on higher ground leave old clothes, including undergarments near drains and wait for heavy rain to carry the rubbish into streams,” Mr Kumar said.

“There are also families who dispose diapers irresponsibly because they do not want to burn or bury them,” he said.

Stray dogs often tore discarded diapers on streets and roads.

Vunika resident Surendra Lal told the committee that some people dumped diapers into rivers, creeks and drains, particularly during rainy season because they believed they could neither burn nor bury them.

“I suggest Government carries out awareness programmes before the Bill is passed because many people do not know how to separate rubbish,” Mr Lal said.

“Imposing a $1000 fine will not be immediately effective. We need to educate people first on proper waste disposal because some households do not even have rubbish bins.”

He said some people continued to place rubbish in plastic bags before dumping them into drains, rivers and creeks.

Standing Committee on Social Affairs chairperson Iliesa Vanawalu said the feedback would help the committee prepare the Bill.