Lack of Action Criticized as Dengue Kills

As dengue fever continues to claim lives across Fiji, former Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar has expressed concern over the inaction of municipal councils and health authorities, calling for urgent measures to combat the crisis.

“Please understand that people are dying of dengue. Take action and save lives,” stressed Minister Kumar, as she addressed growing frustrations from affected communities.

She urged the Ba Town Council, Nasinu Town Council, and Taveuni Rural Local Authority to prioritise waste removal, particularly of items like tyres, tins, and containers that serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Kumar emphasised that while public awareness campaigns are important, they must be supported by immediate and effective ground action.

“It is unacceptable that residents have to wait months for basic services like waste collection, especially during a dengue outbreak. Councils must respond swiftly to community concerns,” she said.

She also encouraged residents to keep reporting problem areas to ensure that no community is left behind in the clean-up efforts.

Below are some messages from people to Hon Kumar:

From Ba:

“Last week, we got a letter from the Health Department saying they would collect rubbish such as tyres, tins, and containers on Saturday, but it’s still lying on our driveway. No one came to collect it.”

From Taveuni:

“I have been complaining to the Taveuni Health Department for more than 18 months, but every few months I have to remind the caretaker to clean my neighbour’s compound, which is a mosquito breeding area.”

From Nasinu (Maunikoso area, 7 miles):

“We have raised our concerns with the Nasinu Town Council, with Ketan, but there’s been no concrete action. The council doesn’t collect green waste on time — it’s always pending, sometimes for up to three months. Please raise this concern.”