Luganville Waste Management is now working to strongly promote better health, hygiene, and to stop people from going into the dump site.

This follows reports that people are collecting used plastic bottles and reusing them in nakamals.

Waste Management Officer in Luganville, Lolo Tambe, said one of the major issues is people taking dirty plastic bottles from the dump site, washing them without approval, and using them to fill kava for sale in nakamals,something they plan to stop.

“We stop the issue of people taking plastics from the dumpsite area, washing it without the knowledge of waste management, and using it to sell kava.”

Mr Tambe explained that they will put up a proper fence around the area to block unauthorized access.

“If we have a secure fence in the future, those who are registered can enter the dump area for recycling purposes, but those just looking for items will be stopped.”

Another plan is to separate waste more effectively.

“Rubbish that comes in here is in large quantities, and we separate it,building materials, market materials are separated.”

A major focus for the department now is to control and reduce the number of birds and flies at the dump site.

This is very important because the airport is located nearby, which could pose a safety and health risk.

In the future, Mr Tambe said there are plans to find new land for a new dump site if people begin settling too close to the current area.