Reverend James Bhagwan, an environmentalist, has questioned the origins of fuel present in Suva Harbour, suggesting that it may not solely stem from a recently discovered 44-gallon drum floating in the water. On a social media post, Bhagwan noted that while the drum was seen floating in the Harbour on Tuesday without any visible fuel slick, he observed what appeared to be fuel drifting towards the main Harbour the following morning, roughly 22 hours later.
He pointed out that the drum’s presence raises concerns about an alternative source contributing to the fuel leak. Bhagwan emphasized the need for vigilance from authorities, citing the regular morning patrols conducted by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, the Ministry of Environment, and Fiji Ports, which occur daily between 6 am and 7 am. He explained that fuel dumping usually takes place overnight, highlighting the importance of monitoring the waterways from Suva Harbour Passage to Nukulau and Makaluva Passage.
In his call to action, Bhagwan suggested that local paddling, yachting, surfing, and boating communities, including Uto Ni Yalo Trust, should be engaged as eyes and ears on the water. He urged authorities to connect with these groups to enhance reporting channels for any incidents observed in the Harbour.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change has stated that efforts to confirm whether the drum was responsible for the fuel leak have yet to yield results.
This ongoing situation underscores the complexities of environmental monitoring and the need for community involvement in safeguarding natural resources. Engaging local groups can foster a collective effort to protect Suva’s marine ecosystem while providing essential support to governmental efforts in environmental management.
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