Two cement manufacturing companies have been issued prohibition notices by the Department of Environment to cease activities for allegedly causing environmental and health hazard.

Pacific Cement Limited and Tengy Cement (Fiji) Company Limited, both based in Lami, were given the notice yesterday after the Environment Department had inspected the two factories.

It was found the two companies had breached earlier notices regarding potential harmful emissions from the cement factories.

Environment Permanent Secretary, Joshua Wycliffe said: “Between last year and now, this has happened a couple of times and we did not have any complains for at least four to five months.

“We were under the impression that things were happening properly.

“But just when we were thinking that all as well, a month ago, we got another complain.”

Ministry of Waterways and Environment Permanent Secretary, Joshua Wycliffe while confirming the Issuance prohibition notices to Tengy Cement and Pacific Cement of Lami on March 23, 2021. Photo: Ronald Kumar.

He said the dust emitted from the operations of the two companies may not be of national air quality standard.

“Unless the problem has been rectified, the prohibition notice does not lift up.

“If there is any particular operation in any business that is affecting the environment, then the prohibition notice stops them from doing that particular operation.”

Pacific Cement factory in Lami on March 23, 2021. Photo: Ronald Kumar.

He also said the ministry does not have the legislative authority to entirely stop the business, however, if a party is seen to be breaching the prohibition, then the department reserves the right to prosecute them.

Mr Wycliffe highlight the Ministry and the Department encourage businesses in the nation, as long as they comply with the standard environmental practices.

Tengy Cement (Fiji) Co. Ltd factory in Lami on March 23, 2021. Photo: Ronald Kumar.

“I have invited both the business leaderships tomorrow to work with them and to ensure this does not happen again.”

Queries sent to the two companies remained unanswered when this edition went to press.

Feedback: shreya.kumar@fijisun.com.fj