The Ministry of Local Government has stressed Suva ratepayers will not be subsidising waste management services for Nasinu under the terms of the agreement in the new Memorandum of Agreement on Waste Collection Services as per provisions in the Local Government Act.
The Ministry says this first of its kind agreement will see Nasinu Town Council pay Suva City Council approximately $2.4 million for the services which include green waste, household waste and hard rubbish collection services.
They say this is a twelve-month arrangement which comprises of $1.6 million from the 2020-2021 government Waste Management grant to Nasinu with the shortfall being met from Nasinu Town Council’s operating funds.
The Memorandum of Agreement has been costed to ensure that no monies are being used from Suva.
They say Suva ratepayers are subsidising Nasinu residents is incorrect.
The Ministry for Local Government says the agreement confirms that services will continue for Nasinu three times weekly for household kitchen waste; monthly green waste and quarterly for white goods collection.
They say vital awareness-raising on better household waste practice will be undertaken and paid for by Nasinu Town Council so that Nasinu residents and businesses are better informed about their responsibilities to reduce waste and disposal of it appropriately only at the times allocated for every part of Nasinu.
The Ministry adds this agreement between Suva and Nasinu is the first step towards the setting up of Greater Suva Solid Waste Collection Services in the Central Division, streamlining service delivery and investing in modern infrastructure to meet the needs of the growing population.
It says a new Greater Suva Waste Management Service will deliver better waste management services and infrastructure, leading to cleaner streets and healthier environments.
