SUGAR Minister Charan Jeath Singh has refused to comment on growing concerns over allegations of waste being discharged into the Qawa and Labasa rivers by the Fiji Sugar Corporation.
“I am not aware of it and will not be able to comment,” Mr Singh said.
Environmental experts warn that the discharge poses serious risks to both community health and the sustainability of local waterways.
Conservation officer Seru Moce said investigations and research would be carried out along the rivers and their shorelines to assess the environmental impact.
“The issue is particularly concerning when the sugar mill is in operation,” he said.
Mr Moce said there needs to be a study on the environmental impact of the waste disposal along the Qawa and Labasa rivers.
“I understand that studies have been done already, but they were carried out during the mill’s off-season. Now we want the study conducted while the mill is operating so we can see the real impact.”
He said the findings would be critical in guiding measures to protect the rivers and the surrounding communities from further harm.
