Businesses and vessel operators are being urged to exercise heightened caution when handling fuel, oil, and other hazardous substances near waterways and the marine environment. This warning follows the recent sighting of a fuel slick near a beacon opposite China Club in Suva.
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change conducted a joint inspection last week in the affected area. According to a government statement, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd, undertook an onsite boat inspection and employed drone surveillance to assess the extent of the reported fuel slick and identify its source.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is committed to ongoing investigations and monitoring of the area for any additional signs of pollution. An interagency cooperation effort is currently in place with the Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) to trace the origin of the slick.
As Fiji approaches the holiday season, the Ministry will treat all pollution reports with urgency, ensuring timely investigations and deployment of appropriate response measures in collaboration with relevant agencies. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Fiji’s marine environment and encourages the public to report any suspected pollution incidents immediately. This proactive approach highlights the importance of community involvement in environmental protection efforts and serves to reinforce the government’s dedication to maintaining the health of the nation’s waterways.
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