A fire burning at Lautoka’s Vunato rubbish dump since Sunday is now a major concern for residents and businesses, as thick smoke continues to hang over the city.
Speaking to fijivillage News, President of the Lautoka Chamber of Commerce, Richard Shafiq says the persistent smoke has severely affected local retailers and the health of residents.
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He says current efforts using excavators to contain the fire have not been effective and he has called for more proactive measures, including the possible use of helicopters or planes to spray water over the affected areas.
He adds that they are entering the festive season, schools are closing, and this issue is impacting everyone.
Shafiq also expressed frustration over the lack of response from the authorities.
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He says that despite light rain earlier in the week, the fire remains uncontrolled and the heavy smoke continues to hang over the city.
He has urged the Lautoka City Council to take rapid and efficient measures to get this fire under control as soon as possible, so that health hazards can be reduced and retailers can do good business in the coming weekends.
We have sent questions to the Lautoka City Council and the Ministry of Environment.
They are yet to respond.
