Northern Division calls for more environmental health inspectors

In a bid to enhance operations, there is an urgent need to increase the number of environmental health inspectors in the Northern Division.

Divisional Health Inspector Northern, Vakaruru Cavuilati, said the shortage of inspectors has been a longstanding manpower issue. He acknowledged government support in recruiting some environmental health inspectors to help build capacity.

“We need additional environmental health inspectors to enhance our operations across the division,” Mr Cavuilati said.

In Savusavu, the marine development undertaken by Nawi Island developers requires more manpower for monitoring. Mr Cavuilati said they were currently in the pre-planning phase to deploy additional inspectors to oversee the full operation of the Nawi Island project.

“Once Nawi Island becomes a fully-fledged development, we will need manpower to monitor any leakages or non-compliance,” he said.

When asked whether hoteliers should employ marine biologists to ensure environmental sustainability, Mr Cavuilati said it depended on the affordability of individual hoteliers.

Meanwhile, Labasa Town Council special administrator chairperson, Paul Jaduram, said environmental pollution must be kept to a minimum. He stressed that littering in water channels and bodies must be avoided.

Environmental health inspectors play a vital role in safeguarding the marine ecosystem. Stakeholders agree that water bodies must be kept clean and free from pollution and litter.