Oil Spill Crisis Sparks Alarm in Sigatoka Community

Villagers in Sigatoka have raised serious concerns after discovering oil in the river this morning, which they believe is leaking from the Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) depot. Local resident Joe Ratu Kunaturaga shared images on social media, showing visible oil spills affecting the river that runs between his village of Nasama and Vunavutu. He voiced concerns over the lingering smell and the environmental implications of such spills, questioning the efficacy of EFL’s preventive strategies.

This oil spill poses a major threat to the local marine life, which is crucial for the livelihoods of many residents in the area. Kunaturaga warned that the incident could lead to significant ecological damage, adversely affecting those who rely on the river for their daily needs.

In response to the alarming situation, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirmed that they are in direct communication with EFL. They explained that the leak originated from an overflow situation due to recent heavy floods affecting a separator pit connected to the EFL Sigatoka Powerhouse. To tackle this issue, the ministry has dispatched a specialized waste and pollution control team to evaluate the situation and help contain the spread of the oil.

However, local feedback suggests that the initial response by EFL has been inadequate. The Ministry of Environment has reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with EFL to manage the oil discharge and safeguard both the environment and the well-being of the residents.

This situation underscores the importance of cooperation between government bodies and local communities to effectively address environmental issues. To prevent future pollution incidents, it is vital for community members to stay alert and report any activities that may pose risks to the environment.

Encouragingly, the engagement of the Ministry and EFL reflects a positive willingness to address the community’s concerns, promoting resilience and a collective effort to protect Fiji’s natural resources. As the response efforts continue and support for affected residents is mobilized, there is hope for a cleaner, safer environment for the entire community.