Burnt seafood waste left exposed after Easter delay, owner apologises

A delay in securing a digger operator over the Easter weekend led to burnt seafood waste being left exposed at Wailevu Tiri in Labasa.

This has raised public health concerns and prompting possible action over illegal dumping.

Gold Hold Sea Food PTE Ltd owner Richard Du said he understood residents’ frustration over the foul smell near homes in the area.

Mr Du said he decided to bury the seafood waste on his Wailevu farm, where he owns two land titles used for rice farming, and intended to use it as manure.

His seafood company sustained fire damage on March 30, prompting the removal of three 40-foot shipping containers holding destroyed fish stock and beche-de-mer.

“I tried to arrange for a digger operator to bury the seafood waste since last week, but could not find anyone available due to the long Easter break,” he said.

A visit by this masthead to the site today found a digger operator at work, with a pit dug and seafood waste piled for burial.

Divisional Health Inspector Northern Vakaruru Cavuilati confirmed his team, together with a Ministry of Environment officer, inspected the site this morning.

Mr Cavuilati said illegal dumping was covered under the Environment Management Act and penalties were issued by the Ministry of Environment.

“I am waiting for the field report from my officers to determine the severity of the matter,” he said.

He said an abatement notice for nuisance could be issued depending on the findings.

A ministry official in Labasa confirmed the dumping was unauthorised and a notice would be served.

Mr Du admitted some waste may have spilled onto the sugarcane farm access road during transport.

“I am sorry if it spilled on the road. Remedial works have been undertaken,” he said.

Resident Jay Deo said the foul smell made it difficult to breathe and live in the area, but acknowledged the prompt response by authorities.

Mr Deo urged the farm owner to ensure burial arrangements were in place before waste was transported.

“I understand it is Mr Du’s land, but he should ensure proper burial of the waste to reduce the smell because we have children and families to look after,” he said.

Mr Du said clean-up began last Thursday after Police released the burnt industrial site.

“We cleaned up the factory on Thursday and Friday and instructed staff to move the stock to my farm to act as manure,” he said.

He said burial and disposal of the waste would be carried out promptly.