With more than two decades of outsourcing their waste management services to private contractors, the Sigatoka Town Council will now provide these services in-house after receiving a new 9-tonne garbage compactor truck from the Government of Japan.
Under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project, the Japanese Government provided $173,300 to the Sigatoka Town Council for the provision of the truck.
Receiving the new truck on behalf of the Sigatoka Town Council, Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar says waste collection is an essential service provided by the Councils that requires a proper fleet to support the collection and disposal of waste.
She says this is the first compactor truck for the Sigatoka Town Council, which will cater for 249 ratepayers and 328 business houses that will be provided with garbage collection services.
Kumar says as the Council increase their fleet, they provide better, more efficient and improved services which is the ultimate goal for any Municipal Councils.
She adds through this timely assistance from the Embassy of Japan in Fiji, the Council will carry out in-house waste management services in Vunahalu, Lawaqa and Laselase wards in Sigatoka Town.
The Minister says everyone needs to do their part when disposing of rubbish and take the extra effort of keeping not only their homes but the streets, beaches, towns and communities clean.
Japanese Ambassador to Fiji Kawakami Fumihiro says they understand in recent years, the Sigatoka Town Council has been trying to improve its waste collection services for the betterment of sanitation standards and the environment.
He says the new truck will enhance the efficiency of waste management services of the Council.
He adds it will also improve the cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation of the municipality.
The Ambassador says they are looking forward to working with the Government in this area.
