Sewage spill discolours Nabua stream

Ongoing environmental monitoring and investigations are underway following the discovery of raw sewage and a suspected toxic discharge in a stream beneath the Jerusalem Road bridge in Nabua, Suva.

The Department of Environment confirmed that the incident, reported on Tuesday, involved bluish discoloration in the stream caused by raw sewage overflowing from a culvert and discharging directly into the waterway.

Permanent secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Sivendra Michael, said surveys conducted by the department found that the Nabua Sewerage Pump Station had been non-operational since Christmas, causing sewage to back up and spill into the stream.

Several dead eels were also found in the affected section of the stream, indicating the presence of a toxic substance and highlighting the adverse environmental impact of the discharge.

The department assessed that the bluish substance was likely disposed of into the sewerage system upstream and was released into the stream due to the pump station failure.

Mr Michael said coordinated efforts between the Department of Environment, the Water Authority of Fiji, and the Suva City Council helped contain the incident, assess environmental damage, and prevent further discharge.

“The safety of the public and the protection of Fiji’s environment remain our top priorities,” Mr Michael said.

He added that the department would continue to closely monitor the situation, implement corrective actions, and keep affected communities informed as investigations progress.

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