Operations at large poultry facilities in Fiji are having an impact on the environment and surrounding communities, says Minister for Environment Dr Mahendra Reddy.
He said ministry officials who conducted field inspections had raised concerns about the negative externalities arising from the operation of some of the large poultry facilities in Fiji.
“The ministry has noted that the negative externalities arising from their operations do not only impact the environment, but also the health of the communities and families living within the proximity of these facilities.”
He said such operations had no regard for the environment or human health implications.
The Environment Management Act 2005, he said, strictly stipulated that anyone who committed severe damage to the environment was liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1million, life imprisonment or both.
“This penalty is five times higher for a corporate body,” he said.
“Recently, following inspections, the Department of Environment has issued several prohibition notices to companies that have not complied with the legislative requirements.
“The department will continue to monitor and prosecute anyone found to be breaching the conditions of practice required as part of the waste disposal permit issued under the Environment Management Act 2.
“The department will continue to monitor all poultry operations in Fiji to ensure the agreed SOPs are being adhered to.”
