Vunato dump smoke clouds Lautoka ahead of Diwali rush

Smoke from burning rubbish at the Vunato rubbish dump is spreading across Lautoka, affecting the city's environment and raising concerns ahead of the Diwali trading rush.

With retailers preparing for increased customer activity during the festive season, Lautoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Richard Shafiq is calling on authorities to urgently address the pollution.

He said the smoke was creating an unpleasant environment for shoppers, workers, business owners and visitors, while raising serious concerns about public health and air quality.

“Diwali is an important occasion for our business community, especially retailers who look forward to increased customer activity during this period.

“Unfortunately, the smoke spreading across Lautoka City is creating an unpleasant environment for shoppers, business owners, employees and visitors.

“Beyond the discomfort, smoke pollution raises serious concerns about public health, air quality and the overall environment,” Mr Shafiq said.

He called on the Lautoka City Council, environmental authorities and relevant government agencies to investigate the situation urgently and take effective measures to prevent further rubbish burning at the dump.

Mr Shafiq said a temporary response would not be enough, warning that Lautoka needed a sustainable waste management strategy to prevent the problem from recurring.

“Lautoka is known as the Sugar City and remains an important commercial centre in Fiji. We must protect the image of our city and the wellbeing of our people.

“We cannot continue to allow smoke pollution to disrupt daily activities, particularly during significant festive and commercial periods,” he said.

He stressed that authorities, businesses and residents needed to work together to address the problem.

The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for its members and supporting initiatives to make Lautoka cleaner, healthier and more prosperous.

Council acting chief executive officer and special administrator chairperson Taitusi Rasoki said the council was aware of the issue and was working to contain the smoke, which had been an ongoing challenge.