SUGAR Minister Charan Jeath Singh has chosen not to address mounting concerns regarding allegations that the Fiji Sugar Corporation has been discharging waste into the Qawa and Labasa rivers. Singh stated, “I am not aware of it and will not be able to comment.”
Environmental experts have raised alarms about the potential dangers this discharge poses not only to community health but also to the sustainability of local waterways. Conservation officer Seru Moce emphasized the need for comprehensive investigations and research along the rivers and their shorelines to evaluate the environmental impact accurately.
Moce highlighted that the situation becomes particularly critical during the sugar mill’s operation, underscoring the necessity for timely studies on the effects of waste disposal in the Qawa and Labasa rivers. He pointed out that while some studies have already been conducted, they were performed during the mill’s off-season. “We want the study conducted while the mill is operating so we can see the real impact,” Moce remarked.
The findings from this upcoming research will be invaluable in shaping measures to safeguard the rivers and the communities that depend on them, ensuring a healthier environment for future generations. This proactive approach to environmental management reflects a growing awareness of the importance of preserving natural resources in the face of industrial activities.
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