The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, in collaboration with the Environment Department, is currently investigating potential breaches by a company involved in gravel extraction from the Raiwaqa River in Navua.
River Tubing Fiji, a local tourism company, has raised concerns about the operation, highlighting the risk of oil leakage and environmental contamination.
Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo confirmed that the company was issued a license, but the ministry is now examining potential breaches of the licensing conditions. However, Mr. Vosarogo stressed that, at this stage, these concerns are merely “allegations.”
“We believe the reported activities by the licensed company may be in violation of its conditions,” Mr. Vosarogo stated. “This is why we conduct investigations and audits. Sometimes we receive immediate reports and dispatch a team to assess the situation.”
He further explained that the allegations are under joint investigation with the Ministry of Environment to determine if the company has indeed breached its license conditions.
“We conduct joint inspections, and if breaches are identified, the company will be notified and penalized accordingly,” he added.
An inspection in Raiwaqa was conducted earlier this month, and Mr. Vosarogo noted that the investigation is still ongoing. “I am not currently aware of the complete details of the report, but once it is finalized, appropriate actions will be directed by the Lands Department,” he stated.