Japanese Government Grant To Purchase Garbage Compactor Trucks

Minister for Local Govern­ment, Housing, Environ­ment, Infrastructure and Transport, Parveen Bala officiated at the signing of a grant contract formalising Japan’s assistance to Nasinu Town Council.

The council received $449,542 (US$232,237) for the procurement of two 9 tonne garbage compactor trucks to supplement the current fleet of trucks that are being used by the Council.

Japan’s ambassador Masahiro Omura said the two trucks would exercise timely maintenance.

“This project is in line with Fiji Government’s national develop­ment objectives.

“Such development harmonisa­tion is the key to Japan’s develop­ment co-operation with this coun­try.

“It is my honour to reaffirm Ja­pan’s commitment to providing continued assistance for the sus­tainable development of Fiji.”

Mr Omura also added that the pro­ject will further strengthen friend­ship between the people and gov­ernments of Japan and Fiji.

NTC special administrator Mosese Kama said the grant will assist the council towards its effort in trying to tackle waste management issues within its municipal boundary.

The grant assistance was towards the Grass Roots Human Security Projects which aims to improve waste management operations of the Council by providing an effi­cient, hazard free and timely waste collection services to the people of Nasinu.

The compactor trucks are expect­ed to provide greater efficiency as more garbage can be carried on fewer trips to the Naboro Land­fill and provide a more conducive working environment for garbage collectors who are exposed to the stench of garbage, bacteria and toxic substances.

NTC serves the largest township in Fiji with an estimated total popu­lation of 130,000, an increase from 76,000 in 2007.

Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar

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