WAF Issues Warning on Improper Waste Disposal

The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) is expressing disappointment over the public’s misuse of its infrastructure, particularly regarding the wastewater system.

WAF Chief Operating Officer, Mr Seru Soderberg has emphasized that while WAF serves the public, some individuals are improperly disposing of waste, leading to significant problems for the community.

Soderberg voiced his frustration, noting that the careless actions of a few are negatively impacting many.

He pointed out that the misconception that polluting the wastewater system is harmless is far from the truth, as it raises WAF’s operational costs significantly.

“There’s a pump downstream that could be damaged. WAF, and everyone in the community, pays for its replacement.

We also have to disinfect overflow, causing inconvenience for those living nearby,” he explained.

The situation is alarming, with Soderberg urging the public to be more responsible.

Complaints from Narere indicate that the wastewater pump station frequently overflows, and inspections reveal a shocking amount of debris—such as rags, clothes, blankets, and even bones—clogging the system.

In one instance, someone used a manhole to dump cut grass and set it on fire.

Soderberg also raised concerns about businesses illegally connecting to the wastewater system, revealing that a survey found that 90 percent of these connections are unauthorized.

WAF is calling on the community to take better care of the wastewater system to avoid further issues.