Savusavu resident concerned as decaying bodies start to stink

Residents of Savusavu are calling on the government to upgrade the Savusavu Sub-Divisional Hospital mortuary, which can only accommodate eight bodies, and when it breaks down, the bodies start to decay and stink.

While speaking at the Fijian Media Association's Meet the Public and the Press session held in Savusavu, the resident asks where the bodies would be kept if the people of Savusavu eat poisonous food and die.

She also asks if the mortuary in Savusavu can be upgraded to a bigger space, and what is the plan.

Another Savusavu resident, Peter Hazelman says when the mortuary breaks down, the bodies begin to decay and stink.

Responding to the concern raised, Divisional Medical Officer Northern, Dr Tiko Saumalua acknowledges the government for the recent budget announcement, where the government will expand the number of mortuaries to lessen the burden on Savusavu.

He says this will be done in some areas that are covered by Energy Fiji Limited including Cakaudrove, Wailevu West in Nakorovatu and Naweni.

Dr Saumalua says once this new morgue comes in, it will somehow lessen the burden on the eight units currently in Savusavu.

He adds that they have a monitoring system that has been working well, and they receive daily updates on its operations.