BUSINESSES and vessel operators have been warned to take extra care when handling fuel, oil and other hazardous substance close to waterways and marine environment.
The warning came after fuel slick was reported sighted near the beacon opposite China Club in Suva.
Last week the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change conducted a joint inspection at the area affected.
According to a Government statement, the Ministry in collaboration with the Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd carried out an onsite boat inspection with drone surveillance to assess the extent of the reported fuel slick and to identify the source of the fuel slick.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change will continue its investigation and will monitor the area for any further signs of pollution.
Government says interagency cooperation is underway with FPCL and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) to trace the source of the reported slick.
As the country enters the holiday season, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change will continue to treat all pollution reports with urgency, working closely with relevant agencies to ensure timely investigations and appropriate response measures are deployed.
Government remains firmly committed to protecting Fiji’s marine environment and urges the public to immediately report any suspected pollution incident.
