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THE Malaita Provincial Government (MPG) is struggling to manage its daily waste collection in Auki after the temporary dumpsite at Kunu area was blocked few weeks ago. As a result, the Auki Town Council has suspended waste collection services while efforts are underway to find an alternative site. This latest setback highlights a long-standing issue for the province, which has repeatedly faced land disputes over proposed dumpsite locations. Records show that the provincial government had previously entered into an agreement with landowners at Molou to use their land for waste disposal. However, after several years, the landowners withdrew from the arrangement, forcing the government to look elsewhere. A subsequent attempt to establish a dumpsite at Kelakwau also ended in dispute, further disrupting waste management efforts. To maintain cleanliness in the provincial capital, authorities later reached a temporary agreement with landowners at a private area at Kunu to use their property as a dumpsite. But this arrangement was short-lived, as landowners recently ordered the government to stop dumping waste there. The closure has led to mounting piles of rubbish around Auki, prompting concern among Auki residents. Many have taken to the social media to urge the Malaita Provincial Government and relevant authorities to urgently resolve the matter, warning that the growing waste poses serious health and environmental risks. Hazel Fanai of the Auki Town Council confirmed to the Solomon Star that waste collection services have been disrupted since the stop notice was issued. She said, the waste problem in Auki requires collective effort, not just government intervention. “The site at Kunu is no longer available for use, and we are now working closely with the provincial administration to identify another location,” Ms Fanai said. “While efforts are underway to find a new dumpsite, residents must also take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean. She appeals to all Auki residents to help manage their rubbish, starting from their homes by reusing organic waste for backyard gardening and avoiding littering. “Remember, waste management is everyone’s business. We must all cooperate to keep Auki clean.” It is understood that a work on Auki town’s new landfill at Gwaigeo in Central Kwara’ae is progressing well, with the project nearing completion of its first phase. The landfill development is part of the J-PRISM III initiative, a 25-year SPREP–JICA partnership aimed at improving waste management across the Pacific region. As of Monday, the province arranged for the removal of rubbish from the Auki Central Market to the old Fisheries Office area as part of a temporary measure to backfill the site for future development. By SOLOMON LOFANA Solomon Star, Auki
