A mini landfill with garbage bags, plastic bottles and other household waste has emerged under a rain tree in Vaitele's business area.

There are a buildup in garbage bags, pointing to someone who has been bringing their household or business waste to discard under the tree. It is now not only becoming an eyesore but a health risk as well.

The businesses within the vicinity of the trash across from the mini dump have all denied putting the garbage there.

The cashiers at O’Ben Supermarket on Saturday told the Samoa Observer that they have not seen anyone dumping the rubbish and have shifted the blame to the street vendors.

The staff at DMC Fried Chicken were also quick off the mark and denied any wrongdoing when questioned by this newspaper.

A closer inspection of the rubbish reveals mostly plastic and food containers, however, no one has admitted if they have seen anyone dumping rubbish there.

The street vendors have also denied accusations that they are dumping the rubbish, saying their products are sold and people purchase them and leave. 

Uelese Tavita, who is a taxi driver by profession, said he was concerned because the amount of rubbish that appears to be growing in size.

“It looks like that some people are dumping rubbish when people are not looking, I am sure that rubbish collection is happening on a regular schedule,” he said.

“I hope the authorities take action and fine some people who are doing this. It makes the place look ugly and gives a location for diseases to breed.”

Vaitele resident Christopher Uaele said it was sad to see people littering in public without a thought for sanitation and health.

“There are ways of disposing rubbish and throwing litter everywhere. We are trying to tell the world that Samoa is a beautiful place to be and we are doing the opposite,” he said.

The Samoa Conservation Society has already stated that Samoans seem to be unaware of what their actions could lead to, especially the danger to the environment.

According to the law only the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is allowed to issue fines and penalise people who are caught littering according to the MNRE Act of 2010.