The long-awaited relocation of the Savusavu refuse dump is underway, forming part of a $6.75 million solid waste management project jointly targeting Savusavu and Labasa.
This has been highlighted by Minister for Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, while responding to Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya’s question on the relocation programme of the refuse dump in Savusavu.
Nalumisa says the move comes in response to growing environmental and public health concerns, particularly due to the current dump site proximity to the sea.
Nalumisa stresses that the current dump site is no longer suitable due to the increasing volume of waste, its environmental impact, and the rise in tourism and residential developments in the area.
He adds that the initiative is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, with funding allocated for identifying and establishing a new landfill site.
Nalumisa says consultants are currently finalising the technical design and environmental assessments.
He explains that the current dump, located in Naqere just two kilometres from the Savusavu Town centre, has been operating for several years and now handles approximately 5,800 tonnes of waste annually.
He adds the site occupies 2,000 square metres of Crown Tiri land and receives waste from residential, commercial, resort, and even clinical sources. He says site selection is being carried out in consultation with local landowners, the iTaukei Land Trust Board, and environmental authorities, and will follow strict guidelines under the Environment Management Act 2005.
Nalumisa notes that once a suitable site is confirmed, the government will proceed with formal lease arrangements and begin infrastructure development through a public-private partnership—either under a design-and-build or design-build-operate model.
In the meantime, interim mitigation measures are being implemented at the current Naqere site.
These include installing fencing, improving the site layout, halting open waste burning, and reinforcing protection near mangrove zones to prevent leachate from entering the sea.
Nalumisa highlights that residents and local businesses—particularly in the hotel and resort sectors—have long called for the relocation, citing health risks and reputation concerns for the growing tourism industry.
He adds that the site has reached capacity and that the people of Savusavu have been calling for this for a long time—now is the right time to act.
Nalumisa says that once the new landfill becomes operational, the existing dump will be formally closed and rehabilitated, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for the town’s waste management needs.
