The Fiji Labour Party (FLP) has raised serious concerns following a recent fuel leak at the PetroOceania terminal in Walu Bay, describing it as a significant safety threat. Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry emphasized that the incident, which forced a complete shutdown of the Walu Bay area, serves as a critical warning regarding the terminal’s hazardous location.
Chaudhry highlighted the aging facilities at the terminal, situated in the center of the industrial sector and dangerously close to two petrol stations—Mobil and Total—as well as the city’s fire station. He pointed out that a major explosion at the terminal or nearby industrial facilities could have catastrophic effects on surrounding residential districts, including Tamavua and Lami, along with commercial hubs in Walu Bay.
The FLP leader insisted on the urgency of relocating the fuel terminal, labeling it the sole preventative measure to avert a potential disaster in the future. Although he acknowledged the prompt response from PetroOceania and regulatory authorities in mitigating the consequences of the fuel leak, he noted that such incidents cannot be ruled out completely.
Chaudhry also drew attention to a past incident from July 2023, where a thwarted attempt to sabotage a fuel terminal was only avoided by the vigilance of a security guard. He reiterated the belief that such facilities pose unacceptable risks when situated in industrial and densely populated areas.
The call for action to relocate the terminal underscores the pressing need for reassessing infrastructure safety in urban settings. The hope remains that discussions spurred by these incidents will lead to immediate safety enhancements and ultimately safeguard the community from future threats.
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