PROPOSED mining activities could trigger ecological disaster by altering the natural dynamics of the Sigatoka river system,says Keverieli Atama.
Speaking at the Sigatoka Iron Sands project public consultations on Friday, Mr Atama voiced strong opposition to the venture after reviewing presentation materials spanning 75 years of environmental history.
Mr Atama said the local ecosystem had repeatedly demonstrated a natural ability to adapt and endure.
“After listening to the presentation this afternoon, one thing that was evident was that the pictures and the diagrams started from 1950 up until now,” he said.
“A system, ecology or ecosystem that was resilient, no matter what we call it now climate change but the river itself, the river mouth, the river system actually changed with it.”
Mr Atama shared his concern regarding the removal of magnetite, expressing fear that extracting magnetic properties from the sand could destroy its binding structure and destabilise the river mouth.
“So if we meddle around with a lock, we’re just allowing a disaster,all I can see is more damage than good.”
Emphasising the connection between local communities and their surrounding environment, Mr Atama urged State authorities to safeguard long-standing livelihoods from corporate extraction.
“I urge the gatekeepers from the government, put regulations, put stops, vet those who come in and want to play ball in our park.”
