The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) has confirmed ongoing communication with Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) regarding an oil spill incident stemming from their depot in Sigatoka. The situation arose following heavy rainfall, which caused an oil discharge from the separator pit connected to the EFL Sigatoka Powerhouse.
To address the issue, the MECC deployed its Waste and Pollution Control Team for an inspection of the affected site. They engaged with the village headman from Nasama to provide updates and gather community feedback on the response efforts. Though EFL attempted to manage the situation using their response kit, it was reported by local residents that the measures taken were not enough to effectively control the spill.
The MECC emphasized its commitment to collaborating with EFL to contain the oil discharge and rectify the situation as swiftly as possible. The ministry is also actively involving the local community, reinforcing the importance of public engagement in managing environmental issues.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role that government agencies and local communities play together in safeguarding the environment. It also reflects the imperative for quick and cooperative responses to pollution incidents, which can lead to more effective resolutions and greater public trust.
The hopeful outlook lies in the community’s strong collaboration with authorities, paving the way for resilience and positive steps towards restoring and protecting Fiji’s natural resources.
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