Improper waste disposal causes sewerage overflow in Labasa

The Water Authority of Fiji says their team had to deal with a blockage caused by waste that was not suitable for disposal within the sewer system in Labasa.

This blockage led to sewerage overflow into a creek in Delai-Labasa Junction on Saturday.

WAF Board Chairman, Bhavesh Kumar says people should refrain from improperly flushing or otherwise disposing of waste items such as rags, plastic bags, diapers, which cannot be processed by their wastewater systems, as it causes major blockages to pipelines, overflowing of manholes, damage to essential equipment, and negatively impacts entire communities.

Kumar says the blockage led to a malfunction within the station's pump.

He says it is extremely disappointing that some lazy and irresponsible individuals continue to engage in such improper disposal, including the dumping of rubbish into WAF assets outdoors.

Kumar adds in such cases, thousands of dollars have to be spent on avoidable repairs, which could be better utilised on other essential development works for the benefit of Fijians.