Illegal Extraction Of Sand Comes Under The Spotlight

Suva’s foreshore along the Queen Elizabeth Drive has not been spared by people extracting sand illegally.

This has been done in small quantities, whereby sand is filled in sacks and then loaded onto waiting cars.

The Ministry of Lands has outlined the act as being an offence and penalties could be placed on people.

The ministry believes that members of the public could provide the biggest help in stopping this act, which is harmful to the environment.

Director for Lands, Raijeli Taga, said they were alerting the public to be engaged in the policing of these limited resources as they also have a responsibility in protecting the resources.

“The ministry wishes to make known that the public can be part of the solution by not extracting sand and gravel without a licence or reporting such illegal activities to the nearest Ministry of Lands office,” she said.

“If we are just turning a blind eye and not reporting, we are also contributing to the problem.”

Suva Point resident Aloeso Kadi said she had noticed people taking sand from the foreshore.

Ms Kadi said she had approached some people taking the sand and told them it was illegal, but the people continued to fill the sacks.

Avneet Lal of Samabula said people were taking sand because they would rather not spend money.

According to the Ministry of Lands, the impacts of climate change on the already eroding coastline was severe and removal of sand from the foreshore is prohibited.

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