A public exchange on social media has sparked tension in Neiafu after the town officer, Vava Lapota, accused the ‘Utukalongalu Market management of neglecting cleanliness duties, prompting a sharp response from a market staff member.
The dispute began when Lapota posted photos on Facebook yesterday showing areas of the government-owned market lot, which he described as “repulsive” and unclean.
The photos appeared to show overgrown, unmowed grass, while one image depicted what looked like an overflowing black rubbish bin with garbage spilling out.
The post, accompanied by critical commentary, quickly drew attention from the local community, highlighting concerns about sanitation standards at the busy marketplace.
Among those who responded was a Facebook user whom Lapota later identified as a staff member from the ‘Utukalongalu Market Department.
The commenter challenged the town officer’s approach, suggesting that instead of public criticism, he should come to the market and take action. She reportedly urged Lapota to “come and clean it up” himself and invited him to address the issue directly with the department in person.
The exchange escalated after Lapota publicly condemned the response as “uncivilised,” maintaining that the responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of the government lot lies with the market authorities.
He argued that his post was intended to draw attention to an issue affecting public health and the town’s image, particularly in a key commercial and community hub like the Neiafu market.
“The duty to keep the government lot clean rests with the Market Department,” Lapota told Kaniva News, defending his actions and rejecting the suggestion that he should personally intervene in the clean-up.
The Market authorities were unavailable for comment at the time of publication.
The incident has prompted mixed reactions from residents, with some supporting the town officer’s decision to highlight what they say are long-standing sanitation issues, while others have questioned whether the matter should have been addressed privately rather than on a public platform.
Local observers say the dispute reflects broader concerns about accountability and communication between government officials and public service departments. They note that while social media can be an effective tool for raising awareness, public disagreements between officials and staff risk undermining cooperation and professionalism.
The ‘Utukalongalu Market is a key commercial hub in Vava‘u, serving vendors, farmers, and residents on a daily basis.
Its upkeep is considered essential for public health standards as well as for supporting tourism, with Neiafu remaining a major destination for visitors to the island group.
