The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has confirmed that the white substance seen flowing into the sea along Marine Drive in Lautoka was yesterday was water-soluble paint discharged from a CDP Pte Ltd courier truck.
In a statement, the Ministry said investigations found that the truck driver had washed the vehicle in front of the company’s Lautoka branch, leading to paint runoff entering the stormwater system and discharging directly into the marine environment.
“Irresponsible handling or disposal of chemicals is unacceptable. It poses a serious threat to marine life, pollutes our coastal waters, and undermines public confidence in environmental protection measures,” the Ministry said.
Officials instructed CDP Pte Ltd staff on-site to clean and remove all remaining paint residue from the affected area immediately.
The Ministry also issued strict directives prohibiting the washing of trucks or any contaminated equipment at that location moving forward.
A follow-up inspection will be carried out today confirm full compliance and to ensure all corrective actions have been completed.
“We will not hesitate to take further enforcement action should any breaches persist,” the Ministry warned.
