The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) has issued a Prohibition Notice to Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) following an confirmed oil discharge at the Sigatoka Pump Station. This decision came after the Ministry received reports from community members in the nearby villages of Vunavutu and Nasama, prompting immediate inspections.
The inspections confirmed that the discharge was waste oil from EFL’s pump site. In response to the situation, the Ministry has mandated EFL to flush out and extract any residual lubricant oil that has seeped into the soil outside their operational boundaries. This action is crucial to prevent any remaining oil from contaminating nearby waterways.
EFL has also been instructed to stop all activities causing the oil discharge until the situation is adequately managed. The Prohibition Notice will remain in effect until the Ministry is satisfied that EFL has successfully contained the oil spill and implemented effective measures to avoid future incidents.
This recent oil discharge incident has raised concerns among local communities that depend on the river for daily needs, echoing sentiments from past pollution issues involving EFL. Community members have been vigilant in reporting environmental threats, highlighting the importance of public engagement in safeguarding their natural resources.
The commitment shown by the Ministry, along with active community involvement, instills hope for a swift resolution to this environmental crisis. There is a collective desire for a cleaner and safer environment for the current and future generations, emphasizing the necessity for cooperation between government bodies and local stakeholders to ensure environmental integrity and health.
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