THE four eastern municipal councils say the charges approved by the ousted government for the use of the Naboro landfill are too high and needs to be reviewed.
During the mayors forum in Sigatoka yesterday, mayors of Suva, Nasinu, Nausori and Lami pleaded with interim Local Government Minister Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi to review the charges being levied for dumping garbage at the landfill.
According to Suva Lord Mayor Ratu Peni Volavola, when the landfill was built, they were led to believe the charges would increase to $12 to $15 a tonne from $7 a tonne.
However, Ratu Peni said when the project was completed the fee was doubled and approved by the previous government.
Ratu Peni said councils which use the dump pay $24.59 a tonne of rubbish which he said was too high.
Nasinu mayor Rajeshwar Kumar called on Mr Vayeshnoi to investigate the operations at the landfill.
Mr Kumar said for the past three years, the contractors have not submitted profit and loss statements. He said it was crucial that all stakeholders were aware of the contractor's financial operations so they could understand whether the charges were appropriate.
Mr Vayeshnoi acknowledged the plea and said he would visit the landfill and be apprised of operations.
He called on councils to submit proposals on appropriate fees and ways to maintain the landfill.
