Authorities in Nabua are currently investigating a sewage spill that has led to the contamination of a stream beneath the Jerusalem Road bridge, significantly harming local aquatic life. The incident has resulted in the discovery of several dead eels in the affected area, marking a concerning impact on the environment.
The Ministry of Environment received a report regarding the issue on December 30, 2025, following reports of a bluish discoloration in the water. In response, officials were dispatched to the scene for a thorough investigation. Ground inspections and drone surveys revealed that the source of the contamination stemmed from an underground culvert located near the Nabua Sewerage Pump Station.
The investigation confirmed that an overflow of raw sewage from the culvert was directly contaminating the stream, combining with the unusual bluish substance observed in the water. Further assessments indicated that the pump station had been non-operational since Christmas, resulting in sewage buildup and subsequent discharge into the waterway.
Authorities suspect that the bluish substance was improperly disposal into the sewer system upstream, which subsequently flowed into the stream due to the failure of the pump station. Fortunately, the pump station has since been restored to its operational status, and the natural processes have already begun to clear the discoloration from the water.
Environmental monitoring and investigations are ongoing, with public advisories strongly recommending that community members refrain from utilizing the stream until further notice. Dr. Sivendra Michael, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, emphasized that the safety of the public and the protection of Fiji’s ecosystems are their top priorities. He assured that the ministry would continue to monitor the situation and implement corrective measures while keeping the community updated.
This incident highlights the critical need for proactive environmental management and infrastructure maintenance to safeguard natural resources and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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