Minister denies FSC waste discharge into Qawa River

Minister for Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh has reassured the public that the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) Labasa Mill has not released waste or effluent into the Qawa River this year, despite rising community concerns.

Mr Singh said the mill operates under strict processes and that every part of the cane is used efficiently during production.

He emphasised that the FSC Mill does not discharge any industrial waste into surrounding waterways.

“We need every ounce of juice to make sugar,” Mr Singh said. 

He also stressed that the FSC had maintained longstanding practices to ensure that no spills or run-off entered the Qawa River. 

“FSC has never spilled it," he said. 

The assurance followed a recommendation from the Macuata Provincial Council’s Yaubula Committee for formal investigations into the environmental health of the Qawa and Labasa rivers. 

The committee also proposed that research be extended to the coastal areas where the rivers meet the sea, assessing possible pollution impacts. 

The call came after resource owners voiced concerns about potential industrial waste entering the rivers, prompting fears over community health, marine life and long-term environmental sustainability. 

Mr Singh said that the Government had no objection to the relevant authorities stepping in to conduct assessments. 

“We have no objection to the Occupational Health Safety (OHS) and Environmental ministries,” he said. 

He further encouraged independent review should agencies deem it necessary. 

“They are most welcome if they want to conduct a study regarding the Qawa River,” he added.