Japan provides MSAF $1.6m funding for the procurement of Oil Spill Preventative Equipment

The Japanese Government will provide funding of $1.6 million to the Fiji government to support the procurement of Oil Spill Preventative Equipment for the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji under its ‘Economic Social Development Programme’.

While signing the Memorandum of Understanding, Minister for Work and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau thanked the Government of Japan for their provision in maintaining our ocean clean by providing Oil Spill equipment that will benefit the future generation of Fiji.

He says Fiji's oceans are now protected and is looking forward to working with the Government of Japan to protect our ocean from the risk of spilt oil into our ocean.

Embassy of Japan’s Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission Tanak Kenichiro says that the Japanese government cannot ignore the importance of the ocean in our everyday lives.

Kenichiro says it is for this reason that Japan maintains the view that preserving and maintaining a healthy ocean is an important pillar to promote sustainable socio-economic development.

He says the ocean has provided us with food, and income for our fisheries communities and facilitated international trade.

He adds that through this funding, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji will be receiving the oil spill equipment and related accessories including towing its vehicles.

Kenichiro further says that their team will work closely with MSAF and the relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of this important project.

He says he believes that the new oil spill equipment will be utilised in Levuka, Labasa, Lautoka and Suva ports to support one of MSAF’s mandated responsibilities to protect Fiji’s marine environment.