In 2022 a scrap metal company began to remove derelict vessels from the Suva Harbour and towed it to Culanuku Village in Serua for dismantling and the scrap metal was to be taken to Lautoka for recycling.
In 2022 a scrap metal company began to remove derelict vessels from the Suva Harbour and towed it to Culanuku Village in Serua for dismantling and the scrap metal was to be taken to Lautoka for recycling.
This was only possible through the mutual agreement between the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), the contractor NZR Enterprise and the head of clan of Culanuku.
There are about another 28 junk vessels still in the Suva Harbour that will be later towed to the ship graveyard located in the beautiful crystal lagoon and glamorous environment.
Some years back due to its stunning and picturesque waterfront view a movie was shot there to capture the idyllic sandy beach.
However, the dismantling process started without any Environment Impact Assessment done and there are eyewitness reports stating the two ships now beached are hazardous to the environment with evidence of oil inside and spillage in the water.
Apart from the potential damage to the marine ecosystem this industry also can yield a huge amount of solid wastes in the form of scrapped wood, plastic, insulation material, glass wool, sponge, wastepaper, oiled rope and cotton waste which may find its way into our ocean.
The ships may also contain asbestos.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) aims to predict environmental impacts at an early stage in project planning and design, find ways to reduce adverse impacts and shape projects to suit the local environment.
I believe that this matter was reported to the Director of Environment and the villagers there have not heard again from the ministry relating to the environmental audits that were carried out about a year ago.
Our environmental law states that anyone who carries out any activity without a approved EIA report is subject to a fine not exceeding $750,00 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or both.
Such environmental abuse investigation needs to be expedited and corrective action implemented to prevent further harm to the environment.
I believe that after the conclusion of the audit the environment inspectors must also provide a report to the complainant and notices of compliance with the view of prosecution to the offender.
Story By: Satish Nakched
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