A man fell knee-deep into a manhole along Nina Street in Suva earlier this week after stepping on a cover that appeared to be securely in place, raising serious concerns over the safety of pedestrians using the busy area.
Justin Blake-Hickes says he sustained scrapes and cuts during the fall, while his shoes and phone were damaged.
Blake-Hickes says several nearby shop workers came to his assistance and told him he was the second person to fall into the manhole.
Blake-Hickes says there were no cones, warning signs, yellow tape or other barriers around the area to alert pedestrians to the danger.
He told fijivillage News that the manhole was covered and appeared to be sealed, making it look safe for pedestrians to step on.
Blake-Hickes says he is grateful his injuries were not more serious, but believes the incident could have resulted in a broken leg or other significant injuries.
He has also raised concerns about the risk of infection after he was injured and came into contact with what he described as sewer water.
Blake-Hickes says the area is regularly used by students, parents and elderly people, and is concerned that another person could fall into the manhole if the issue is not addressed.
When questioned about the responsibility for the sewerage site and what measures are being taken to ensure the safety of pedestrians, Water Authority of Fiji says it is a private manhole connecting to the WAF wastewater line, which is beyond WAF's responsibility.
However, WAF says they will visit the site and reconfirm the situation.
