The Department of Environment reported earlier this week the discovery of bluish discoloration in a stream beneath the Jerusalem Road bridge in Nabua, Suva. In response, officers conducted a thorough site inspection and traced the discharge to an underground culvert near the Nabua Sewerage Pump Station.
Using drone technology, the Ministry of Environment personnel completed an aerial survey to pinpoint the source and evaluate the severity of the discharge. Their findings confirmed that raw sewage had overflowed from the culvert, contaminating the stream with the bluish substance.
The investigation unveiled that several dead eels were discovered in the affected section, indicating a toxic release that poses serious environmental risks. The root of the issue was identified as the Nabua Sewerage Pump Station, which had been non-operational since December 25, 2025. This failure caused a backup of sewage, leading to its spillover into the waterway.
It was assessed that the bluish substance had likely entered the sewerage system upstream and found its way into the stream due to the malfunctioning pump station. In response to this environmental challenge, the Department of Environment is collaborating with the Water Authority of Fiji and the Suva City Council to manage the situation, evaluate environmental impacts, and prevent any future discharges.
The good news is that the pump station has been restored, resulting in the natural dissipation of the bluish discoloration in the stream. Ongoing environmental monitoring and investigations will continue, and the Department urges the public to refrain from any contact with the stream until further notification.
Dr. Sivendra Michael, the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, emphasized that the safety of the public and the safeguarding of Fiji’s environment are of utmost priority. There is a hopeful outlook as recovery efforts proceed, aiming to ensure the stream’s safety and restore the local ecosystem effectively.
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