Members of the public are being urged to stop dumping household waste down lavatories, drains and sinks, as it can lead to dangerous and unhygienic overflows of the wastewater system.
Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) CEO Dr Amit Chanan said a recent investigation into the wastewater overflow at the Lautoka City Council car park found that the channel was blocked with old rags, towels, plastic bags, bottles and a handbag.
“Not only are these problems expensive to fix, but they also cause issues such as raw sewerage overflows into homes, businesses as well as waterways and when this happens it harms the environment,” he said.
“Environment is a key priority for our operations at WAF and it was concerning to be pointed out by the Department of Environment that one of our wastewater manholes was overflowing.”
He said in collaboration with the Environment Department, awareness would be carried out on the environmental impact of wastewater discharges and its effects on the environment and human health.
“WAF will conduct awareness sessions targeted at both residential and commercial customers to address the reoccurring issue.”
Environment Ministry permanent secretary Joshua Wycliffe said they would provide awareness through training programs.
“It is my intent that the ministry and WAF will engage strategically to achieve the objectives of the National Development Plan,” he said.
WAF is carrying out inspections and advising traders for compliance and where necessary traders are also warned about their continued disregard against the environment.
WAF and the ministry are working to strengthen their efforts by changing improper disposal habits by reviewing the current laws and regulations to include penalty provisions for repeat offenders.
