The Mineral Resources Department is inviting expressions of interest from qualified consultants to carry out an Environmental Impact and Damage Assessment (EIDA) into uncontrolled wastewater discharge affecting the Sabeto River catchment in Nadi.
In a notice issued yesterday, the Department said the consultant will be responsible for conducting an independent, scientific assessment to determine the extent of environmental and social damage caused by wastewater pollution in the Sabeto River.
The selected consultant will be required to establish baseline conditions of the river system, including water quality, biodiversity and human use, and to assess physical, chemical and biological impacts.
This includes analysing water parameters such as heavy metals, turbidity and temperature, as well as examining impacts on aquatic life, surrounding ecosystems and communities that depend on the river for livelihoods and domestic use.
The Department said the assessment will also evaluate community and livelihood impacts, including effects on fishing, agriculture, food security and household income, and identify any long-term risks to human health and the environment.
In addition, the consultant will be tasked with quantifying environmental and social losses, applying recognised valuation and compensation methodologies, and recommending appropriate rehabilitation and restoration measures.
The scope of work includes developing a river rehabilitation framework, proposing mitigation strategies, and recommending transparent monitoring and performance indicators to guide long-term recovery.
The Mineral Resources Department said the assessment will be conducted in line with the Environment Management Act 2005 and is intended to provide scientifically robust findings to inform government decisions, enforcement actions and remediation planning.
Interested consultants with relevant technical expertise and experience in environmental assessments are encouraged to submit their applications in accordance with the Department’s requirements.
