I’ve called the officials from the Environment Department to look into the issue because this is a serious health concern for people living here: Reddy

Villagers of Narewa in Nadi on Thursday raised serious concerns with the Minister for Waterways over sewage waste flowing into a river a few metres from their village.

Minister Mahendra Reddy was visiting villages within the Tikina of Nadi, accompanied by Momo Na Tui Nadi, Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci and other Government officials. He visited Yako, Moala, Navatulevu and Navukavu.

The village consisted of close to 1700 people, out which more than 700 are children.

Mr Reddy reassured villagers that he would consult authorities on the issue.

“I’ve called the officials from the Environment Department to look into the issue because this is a serious health concern for people living here,” he said.

It is understood that the sewage may be from the Navakai Sewerage Plant.

Villager, Sekove Tuilakeba said the problem has existed since the 1970s.

“This problem has been there during previous governments and they did nothing about it.

“I hope that something will be done about it this time because it’s affecting villagers. We have been advised to stop swimming and fishing from this river by health officials.

“We have even prohibited our children from swimming in this river because of skin diseases. Even the women have stopped collecting fresh water mussels that used to be the main source of income for most people in this village,” he added.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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