No individual or business has been formally held responsible for the pollution of the Naseakula Creek, despite visible rubbish and oil disposal in the area.
In response to this newspaper’s queries, the Environment Ministry said it had not conducted further inspections of the river in the past two years because no additional complaint had been received.
“The inspection followed reports of dead fish observed in the Naseakula Creek. Water samples were collected and sent to Suva for water quality analysis to determine potential sources of contamination.
“A follow-up inspection was carried out at four designated sites upstream and downstream of the affected area. During this assessment, no further incidence of dead fish was observed.”
The ministry said preliminary information provided by the complainant suggested that the dead fish could have been linked to the use of illegal fishing methods, such as chemical-based fishing.
However, the ministry made no mention as to the cause of the dead fish or whether action was taken against any responsible party.
“Since then, the ministry has not received further complaints necessitating additional water quality testing. However, ad-hoc inspections will factor water-quality testing,” the ministry said.
To address this ongoing issue, the ministry said it continued to implement quarterly compliance monitoring and inspection programs across Fiji.
“These inspections target facilities that hold environment impact assessment approvals, waste disposal permits and waste recycling permits to ensure compliance with the conditions of permits,” the ministry said.
As well as playing its part in ongoing monitoring and compliance enforcement, the ministry will intensify oversight of commercial and industrial operations in Labasa.
“Facilities found to be discharging waste without appropriate pollution controls will be issued improvement and remedial notices.”
