Villagers have reported an alarming presence of oil in the river this morning, warning that it originates from the Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) depot in Sigatoka. Local resident Joe Ratu Kunaturaga expressed concerns, sharing pictures on social media to highlight the situation. “We can still smell the oil and see the oil spill on this river between my village, Nasama, and Vunavutu,” he stated, questioning the preventive measures EFL has in place to manage such incidents.
The spill poses significant threats to marine life, which serves as a primary source of livelihood for the residents of Sigatoka. Kunaturaga emphasized that this environmental issue could devastate the ecosystem, impacting those who depend on the river for their daily sustenance.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has responded to these concerns, stating they are in contact with EFL. The ministry announced that the oil spill resulted from recent heavy flooding, causing an overflow from a separator pit linked to the EFL Sigatoka Powerhouse. To address the situation, officials have mobilized a specialized waste and pollution control team to assess the impact and to ensure containment efforts are effective.
Despite initial measures taken by EFL, community feedback indicates that the response is lacking. The Ministry of Environment has reiterated its commitment to working closely with EFL to mitigate the oil discharge and protect both the local environment and the residents.
This incident highlights the necessity of collaboration between governmental authorities and local communities in tackling environmental challenges. To combat future pollution incidents, it is crucial for residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that could lead to such environmental disasters. Encouragingly, the proactive involvement of the Ministry and EFL illustrates a willingness to engage with the community, fostering a spirit of resilience aimed at protecting Fiji’s natural resources.
As efforts continue to address the spill and support the affected residents, there is hope that the collaboration will lead to a cleaner and safer environment for all.
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