Regarding: The recent evolvement of the street food environment that has developed on Wellington Road and outside the Post Office.
In regards to the post office BBQ site, it seems so odd and contrasting that in the city centre where so much money has been spent to make the area rather grand looking. How tough it is for the cafe across the corner to offer high end food and a safe environment for tourists and locals alike, only to have BBQs operating creating noise and traffic conjestion. Surely there is a more appropriate place the government could investigate providing for these entrepreneurs that allows Nuku'alofa to show a more organised relationship between businesses and the city centre? Perhaps part of the wharf area, or open up part of the waterfront park?
On Wellington Road just along from the Sonasi Station, we are enveloped in constant noise day and night from loud music and very loud staff chatter both of which are unrelenting, somewhat intimidating and quite unnecessary! Neighbours and business people in the Wellington Road area are tired of asking them to be respectful and keep their business noise level to themselves. The Police have been asking them to lower their noise levels but the minute they leave, up goes the volume again.
There are dangerous traffic jams caused by their customers wanting to park as close as possible to purchase their food. Nearly everyday we witness... people and especially children crossing the road, having to navigate hazardous parking behaviour and careless driving.
The health hazards must be ominous, to say the least , as we daily witness dangerous food handling and preparation bound to cause illness for some unlucky customers. We find it incredible the health dept don't carry out detailed inspections of the two properties where this takeaway food is prepared before being cooked on their BBQ apparatus:
- Rubbish bags, meat juices, spilt oil, unwashed containers, countless flies!
- No insect screens would you believe!
- Chicken meat soaking in water for hours just to list a few health issues!
The roads and footpaths, littered with rubbish. Marked with dripping meat juices from containers being carried....Grease and oil are left on the pavement and road.
Food is prepared by workers who doubtfully are not certified by the health dept as they usually don't wear gloves when preparing the meats ready for cooking.
We feel sorry for the other heavily invested businesses in the area, whom are undoubtedly adversely affected by such immature and disrespectful behaviour.
I am also surprised the local town officer has not taken notice as well. I see the health regulations cover sound levels as being too loud when they intrude on a person's comfort and well being.
Ian Skelton
