Rabuka seeks update on Savusavu landfill fire
Mr Pillay said the issue had continued for several days and called on the Savusavu Town Council and relevant authorities to take urgent action.
Friday 07 August 2026 | 14:00
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at Vanua Levu Arya Samaj Hall at Namara, Labasa on August 6, 2026.
Photo: Parliament of Fiji
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will seek an update on the ongoing Savusavu landfill fire as smoke continues to affect residents and businesses.
Mr Rabuka said he had been briefed on the fire at the Naqara landfill, a few kilometres from Savusavu Town, and that local authorities were already aware of the situation.
He said he would assess the situation when he passed through Savusavu yesterday.
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“We’ve been told and the local government has been told, has been informed by Naren and company. So, they are aware, and I will look at it today this afternoon when I pass through,” he said.
The response comes after residents and members of the business community raised concerns about smoke from the landfill.
Savusavu Chamber of Commerce and Industries president Avikash Pillay said the smoke had created an unhealthy environment and could affect the town’s tourism appeal.
“The smoke started few days ago and until now it continues to emit,” he said.
Mr Pillay said the incident was not new but described the current situation as the worst experienced.
He said previous fires had been managed effectively when a digger was used to bury affected waste and reduce the risk of further outbreaks.
“I don’t know whether council still possesses that digger or not, but burying it remains an option to solve this issue temporarily,” he said.
The smoke has also raised concerns among businesses, with a restaurant owner saying customers had complained about the smoky conditions.
The owner said visitors wanted a clean and healthy environment where they could relax and enjoy their meals.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Local Government said the National Fire Authority, together with the Savusavu Town Council, was working to control and suppress the underground landfill fire.
The Ministry said firefighters had extinguished surface flames, but the fire had moved underground, requiring heavy machinery to remove the affected waste.
A digger has been deployed to excavate the area while firefighters remain on standby to deal with underground hotspots as they are exposed.
Authorities said efforts were continuing to fully contain the fire and address the smoke affecting the area.
