Dark, foul-smelling wastewater flowing into residential drains is raising health concerns among Rifle Range residents in Vatuwaqa, who say the nearby Nanuku Creek has not been dredged since 2022.
Speaking to fijivillage News, resident Nirmal Singh says the problem has been ongoing for the past three years.
Singh says the mouth of the creek is blocked by accumulated rubbish and silt, causing wastewater to flow into the residential drainage system.
He says a foul smell coming from the creek makes it difficult for residents living nearby to sleep with their windows open.
Singh says he has personally visited the Suva City Council several times and spoken with the Administrator and engineering and health staff about the concerns faced by Rifle Range residents.
He says Council staff had indicated that an inspection would be carried out and the creek dredged, but there has been no progress.
Insert: Singh on what the Council is doing, 4th Oct
Singh says raw sewage can also leak into the creek when sewerage pumps are not working.
He says children from the nearby Nanuku settlement have at times been seen fishing in the creek, raising concerns about their exposure to the polluted water.
Singh says residents expect the Council to address the drainage and creek issues and hopes their concerns will now be taken seriously.
We have sent questions to the Suva City Council.
