Dear Editor – I write this letter with deep concern and utmost urgency as a responsible citizen, parent, and member of a growing and increasingly vulnerable urban community.
It is time we address a long-standing yet often ignored issue that continues to degrade our quality of life, endanger public health, and compromise the dignity of our neighborhoods—the illegal and inappropriate practice of feeding swine (pigs) and keeping poultry within the residential areas of Honiara town boundary.
Across several areas within the Honiara municipality, one can easily witness the widespread presence of pigpens and poultry sheds, located dangerously close to homes, schools, community centers, and marketplaces.
This practice, whether for cultural, subsistence, or commercial reasons, is becoming an eyesore and a serious health hazard to urban residents.
It has reached a point where ordinary families can no longer tolerate the daily inconveniences and health threats posed by such irresponsible and inconsiderate actions by a few individuals who disregard the law and well-being of their neighbors.
Air Pollution and Foul Odors
The first and most disturbing impact of this practice is air pollution. Pigs are known to generate a significant amount of waste which, when left untreated and improperly disposed of, produces a strong, pungent, and intolerable stench.
In areas like Burns Creek, White River, Lord Howe, Gilbert Camp, and parts of Kukum, one cannot walk for ten minutes without breathing in the sickening smell of decomposing pig waste or rotting poultry feed.
This situation is even worse for families who live next to homes where pigs are fed and raised in makeshift, unhygienic pens that have no proper drainage or waste disposal systems.
It is a basic human right to breathe clean air, but in many parts of Honiara, this right is being trampled upon by neighbors who allow their pigs to defecate and urinate freely near family homes, water sources, and public walkways.
The stench spreads throughout the day and worsens during the hot midday sun or after heavy rains, making it unbearable for families to eat, sleep, or carry out normal household activities.
Noise Pollution and Sleep Disturbance
Besides the smell, there is the constant noise generated by these animals. Roosters crowing from as early as 3:00 AM, pigs grunting and squealing throughout the night—this creates a pattern of noise pollution that greatly affects children, the elderly, and anyone in need of proper rest.
How can children focus in school when they cannot get a good night’s sleep due to the constant disruption caused by farm animals in what should be a residential neighborhood?
Sleep deprivation and constant exposure to noise are well documented to have negative effects on mental and physical health.
Children in such affected areas are being robbed of their right to grow up in peaceful, quiet, and safe environments that support learning, development, and general well-being.
Unhygienic Waste and Health Hazards
Beyond air and noise pollution lies an even greater danger: the improper disposal of pig and poultry waste.
In many of these residential areas, pigpens are built directly above drainage systems, small creeks, or even near household water tanks.
When it rains, waste and leftover food are washed directly into these drains and waterways, creating a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, flies, and rodents.
This contributes directly to the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, typhoid, and diarrheal infections, particularly among young children.
Furthermore, there have been reports of pig waste being dumped openly into public drains, abandoned lots, and even along the roadsides.
The resultant mess is not only disgusting but poses serious environmental risks. The waste seeps into the soil, contaminates nearby gardens and water sources, and undermines community cleanliness.
Disruption to Community Harmony and Safety
Another concerning aspect of this issue is the social tension it creates. Families that raise complaints to their neighbors about pig-keeping are often met with hostility, denial, or even threats.
This creates an atmosphere of fear and resentment that undermines community harmony and peaceful coexistence. It is unfair and unjust for people to live in fear within their own homes simply because they demand clean air, quiet nights, and safe surroundings for their children.
There have also been instances where pigs have escaped from their pens and caused destruction to nearby gardens, flower beds, and even children’s play areas.
In a town that is already struggling with sanitation and infrastructure issues, allowing such problems to go unregulated only worsens the challenges we face as a community.
Negligence by Responsible Authorities
The most frustrating aspect of all this is the apparent inaction by responsible authorities. Despite repeated complaints and awareness programs, it seems the Honiara City Council (HCC), Environmental Health Division, and relevant government agencies have failed to enforce existing by-laws and sanitation regulations that prohibit animal farming within urban zones.
Why is this happening? Are we waiting for a disease outbreak before we act? Why are the voices of innocent residents being ignored while lawbreakers are allowed to operate freely with no consequence?
The Honiara City Council has a duty to enforce the laws of this city. Section 15 of the Honiara City Council (Amendment) Ordinance 2009 outlines that animal husbandry and farming must be restricted to approved zones only and must not interfere with residential peace and safety. Yet, these laws are being breached every day in full view of local authorities.
A Call to Immediate Action
I therefore call on the Honiara City Council, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Ministry of Environment, and community leaders to take immediate and decisive action on this issue.
Enough is enough. It is time we stop compromising the safety and dignity of our people in the name of culture or economic hardship.
1. Enforce Zoning Laws: Make it illegal to feed or raise pigs and poultry within residential areas of Honiara. Identify and designate proper zones outside town limits where such practices can be carried out safely and legally.
2. Implement Strict Penalties: Impose heavy fines and legal penalties on individuals who continue to violate these laws. Confiscate animals kept in illegal areas and issue warnings or closure notices to repeat offenders.
3. Conduct Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate the public on the health and environmental dangers of swine and poultry keeping within urban zones. Promote alternative income-generating activities that do not endanger public health.
4. Community Reporting Mechanism: Establish a hotline or online platform where residents can report illegal animal husbandry practices without fear of retaliation. Provide protection and follow-up for whistleblowers.
5. Regular Inspections: Deploy inspection teams to regularly monitor neighborhoods for illegal animal farming practices. Work with community leaders and youth to create healthy, clean, and peaceful townships.
A Better Future for Our Children
We must ask ourselves: What kind of environment do we want our children to grow up in? Do we want them to grow up breathing foul air, dodging animal waste on the road, and fearing angry neighbors who keep livestock next door? Or do we want them to enjoy the fresh air, clean neighborhoods, and peaceful homes they deserve?
Our children deserve better. Our elders deserve dignity. Our communities deserve protection. And our laws deserve enforcement.
I urge all leaders, civil society organizations, faith groups, and residents to raise their voices and demand change. We cannot afford to continue living in neglect and silence. Let us work together to restore order, protect our neighborhoods, and build a cleaner, safer, and healthier Honiara for all.
Thank you for giving this letter your attention and consideration. I trust that your paper, as a voice for the people, will help amplify this important message and push for accountability from those responsible.
Sincerely,
Joey Morrison
Concerned Resident
Borderline, East Honiara
