Landowners in Vuyakana, Labasa, are urging the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources to promptly investigate allegations of illegal gravel extraction by a local company from their river. Iliesa Tupou, a representative of the Mataqali, informed FBC News that the extraction activities have resulted in muddy waters, which make it difficult for village women to harvest freshwater mussels, a key food source and livelihood for the community.
Tupou emphasized the need for companies to adhere to legal guidelines and engage in appropriate consultations with local communities. He stated, “All we want is for proper consultation and the channel to be followed. What happened here is not acceptable. We depend on this river for our survival, and for someone to come and illegally extract gravel without our concerns is concerning.” The community’s main picnic and swimming areas have also been negatively affected as parts of the riverbank have been destroyed.
In a similar vein, a separate case involves unauthorized rock extraction along the Malau foreshore, which has been halted pending an approval waiver from the Tui Labasa. Local community members voiced their concerns about the impact of this activity on their livelihoods, particularly where rock extraction had become a source of income for them in a region with limited arable land.
The Ministry of Lands has been approached for comment on both instances, and they are currently awaiting a response.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods. It is crucial for authorities to address these concerns promptly to ensure the sustainability of local ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. The call for proper consultation and adherence to legal frameworks reflects a growing awareness and demand for responsible resource management among local populations.
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