Rubbish in Tuana’imato continues to pile up. Nearly a month after residents raised concerns, the Samoa Observer followed up with another visit.

Plastic bottles, wrappers, beer bottles, cans and food containers lie in the drainage system.

The issue was last highlighted on 16 January, but as of February, the trash remains piled along the roads, prompting worries from residents about health, safety, and the local environment.

Anamaria Mika, who regularly walks around Tuana’imato for exercise, said it's the public who should be held accountable.

“I’ve seen this problem for quite a long time, and people are continuing to dump rubbish here. I can tell by looking at it that people who come around here throw rubbish. It’s a messy street. It’s a breeding ground for mosquitoes and pests.”

Eighteen-year-old netball player Pailagi Wendt also expressed concerns about the health and social impacts of the rubbish.

“Seeing these rubbish sites could cause dirty streets, which can make neighbourhoods feel neglected, affecting residents’ morale and mental well-being. Blocked drains from rubbish cause waterlogging during rain. These could be all the effects because of the problem that people are continuing to throw rubbish. Piles of rubbish and bad odours make public areas unattractive and uncomfortable. Tourists may feel unsafe or unwelcome if streets are dirty and poorly maintained,” she said.