Inter-island shipping operators have been urged to improve their toilet facilities to ensure cleanliness and hygiene, according to Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh. He emphasized the importance of proper sanitation as it falls under the compliance requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations administered by his ministry.

Mr. Singh’s comments come in response to reports of unsanitary conditions on some vessels, prompting the establishment of an investigation team to follow up on these claims. He stated, “Our ministry will investigate the issue raised by some passengers. Let us investigate and ascertain the matter, then appropriate action will be taken.”

Interlink Shipping Line Limited manager, Adrial Prasad, has denied the allegations and reiterated that maintaining cleanliness is a priority for his company, asserting that cleaning staff are on board consistently. He mentioned that their team is responsible for cleaning the toilets every 15 minutes. However, Prasad acknowledged that with a capacity of nearly 200 passengers on each trip, issues can arise when some passengers neglect to maintain the facilities after use, potentially leading to clogged toilets, especially caused by excessive use of toilet paper by young children.

This issue is mirrored in ongoing concerns highlighted by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), which has been calling on ferry passengers to report any defects that could compromise safety. Joeli Cawaki, the CEO of MSAF, noted the importance of timely reporting to maintain high safety standards, particularly during the busy festive season when ferry operations are at their peak.

Cawaki emphasized that all vessels need to implement strong management systems to ensure compliance with safety protocols and maintain public confidence in their operations. This commitment is reflected in efforts to enhance passenger engagement, creating an environment where safety and cleanliness are prioritized by both operators and customers.

In summary, the collective calls for improved hygiene standards on inter-island shipping reflect a crucial need for accountability in maritime operations. With active investigations underway and an emphasis on passenger feedback, there is hope for significant improvements that can foster a healthier and safer travel experience for everyone involved. This proactive approach to hygiene and safety is essential to ensuring passengers can travel with confidence during the festive season and beyond.