The Pacific Recycling Foundation is calling on relevant authorities to urgently conduct investigations into a suspected oil spill along the Nasese foreshore.
The Founder of the PRF, Amitesh Deo says these issues need to be looked into as soon as possible as it is not only harmful to marine life but also hazardous to hundreds of people including children who access the Nasese foreshore daily for recreational activities.
He says the effects of toxic contamination on marine life and those who use the foreshore are concerning.
He also says relevant authorities need to look into a separate case regarding suspected sewage discharge in a creek in Bykeitou Settlement near Nasole.
Deo says the discovery was made by the PRF staff who visited the settlement to discuss a possible waste management solution for the community as it currently does not have a proper system for waste disposal, and general waste is being dumped near the creek.
He says they were told by residents that they had taken the issue regarding sewage discharge and stench to relevant authorities but nothing has been done to date.
He further says these are not isolated cases and there may be many other cases concerning environmental damage and the PRF will continue to advocate for environmental protection and our right to a healthy, clean, and safe environment.
Deo says they have been inundated with messages from the general public who are requesting solutions regarding various waste management and environment-related issues, an area that needs urgent attention.
He says while the PRF has been formed to create awareness of recycling and empower individuals involved in informal waste picking, the foundation is expected to take on additional roles following its Strategic Planning Workshop, as an agency that will lobby for environmental protection as well as our right to a clean, healthy and safe environment.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Ports Corporation Limited says they are aware of a low-grade oil (possibly Marine Diesel Oil) spill that occurred at the Suva Foreshore believed to have happened last Sunday.
In a statement, the Corporation says upon receiving information of the low-grade oil spill, they dispatched a team to the site to conduct a preliminary investigation in collaboration with other relevant agencies.
They say they are committed to conducting thorough investigation pertaining to this matter.
The Fiji Ports are urging all mariners to actively embrace their responsibility as custodians of the marine ecosystem and to exercise utmost care in preventing any form of oil spills, thereby safeguarding our oceans' well-being.
We have contacted Water Authority of Fiji about the suspected sewage discharge in a creek near Nasole and they are yet to respond.
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