Residents of Tavua are expressing serious concerns over the alleged contamination of the Nasivi River, reportedly caused by wastewater discharges from Tavua Hospital. This issue was prominently highlighted during a press conference this week, where local leaders including Tavua-Vatukoula Landowning Unit chairman Tevita Ralulu and villager Nemani Waka voiced their cries for immediate government action.
Mr. Ralulu claims that the hospital’s wastewater is not only polluting the river but also adversely affecting the agricultural lands of nearby villagers, saying, “It has destroyed our sugarcane farms and soil.” He emphasized the importance of the river for local fishermen and the broader community, which relies on these natural resources for their livelihoods.
In response to these allegations, a representative from Tavua Hospital firmly denied any wrongdoing, stating, “There is no direct discharge of any sewers from Tavua Hospital. We have our own sewer system as per clinical ways.” This rebuttal, however, has not quelled the villagers’ worries about the potential environmental and public health implications.
Government officials are beginning to take notice of the situation. Transport and Public Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau assured the public that the issue would be investigated under existing environmental legislation. Water Authority of Fiji CEO Seru Soderberg reiterated this commitment, clarifying that discharging wastewater into the environment is prohibited unless proper septic systems are in place.
Soderberg further indicated that a team would be sent to assess the claims about the discharges, echoing the sentiments of community leaders who seek urgent intervention to resolve the matter.
This situation mirrors past cases in Fiji, where residents have protested against pollution harming their water sources, such as the community in Vuniniudrovu who claimed that contamination from the Waila Treatment Plant severely impacted their fishing livelihoods. Just as in Tavua, these grievances point to the deeper challenges communities face in safeguarding their environmental health and securing accountability from industrial entities.
The ongoing dialogue between residents, hospital authorities, and government officials provides a hopeful pathway for resolution that not only addresses immediate concerns but also fosters long-term community and environmental health. With collaborative efforts, there is potential for the community’s needs to be met, ensuring that both public health and sustainable livelihoods can be preserved for the future.
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