TOKAMU villagers outside Labasa Town are having sleepless nights as the stench of the Qawa River continues to worsen.
Villager Meri Kaususu says the stench at night when the tide comes in is unbearable and that families are often left nauseous and suffering from headaches.
"The river often changes colour to a black darker colour with an unbearable stench that has left villagers ill for days," said Ms Kaususu.
"Lately dead fish have been seen floating in the river and villagers have noted that their supply of fish has been affected.
"Even mud crabs which used to be in abundance in the mangrove swamps have vanished."
Ms Kaususu said the villagers now had to buy fish and mud crabs from the market.
For 74-year-old Neomai Walolo the stench has affected her badly causing headaches and making her nauseous, which she says is a result of sleepless nights.
"We request the authorities to address the issue faced here in Tokamu," she said.