The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, along with the Environment Department, is investigating potential breaches by a company extracting gravel from the Raiwaqa River in Navua.
River Tubing Fiji, a local tourist operator, has expressed concerns that the operation could lead to oil leaks and environmental contamination.
Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo confirmed the company has a licence but said they are examining possible violations of its licensing conditions. Vosarogo clarified that the concerns are currently considered “allegations.”
“It’s reported that the company’s activities, despite having an active licence, may be breaching the licence conditions,” said Vosarogo. “That’s what we typically investigate and audit. When we receive such reports, we send a team to assess the situation.”
He emphasized that these are allegations and that a joint investigation with the Ministry of Environment is underway to determine if the company has indeed violated its licence conditions.
“The Ministry of Environment conducts one investigation and the Ministry of Lands, as the issuing authority, conducts another. We usually perform a joint inspection, and if breaches are found, we notify the company and take appropriate actions,” Vosarogo explained.
An inspection was carried out earlier this month in Raiwaqa, and the investigation continues. “I don’t have the details of the report yet, but once it’s completed, I will direct the Lands Department on the next steps,” Vosarogo added.