Toxic spill worry

An oil spill in the Sigatoka River has left villagers from Nasama, Vunavutu, and Kulukulu desperate for immediate action as the toxic contamination continues to poison their primary source of food and livelihood.

The spill, believed to have occurred on Tuesday; has caused widespread alarm and outrage, with locals fearing for the health of their community; environment and future.

Iliesa Hanimo, a villager who first witnessedthe spill, shared his shock and concern on social media.

"I was coming back from my farm when I saw a large amount of oil floating on the surface of the river," Mr Hanimo explained.

"It leads to the Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) depot in Sigatoka. Complaints have been raised, and yet, in all three villages, we are still not allowed to use the river for swimming or fishing. This is deeply concerning."

The river, which has been the lifeblood of the community for generations, has now been poisoned, with the toxic spill contaminating the water and causing a foul smell that has made daily life unbearable.

Adi Vaoca Vakula, 53, who lives near the river, described the situation as heartbreaking.

"This is where we get our daily food. The school lunch for our children comes from this river. We live here, and every day; the women sit in the river's frontage to fish," Adi Vaoca said.

"Most of us are unemployed, and we rely on this river and our farm across it. Our children swim in it when the weather gets hot.

"On Monday; a huge amount of oil started flowing through the river, and it was all black. In all my years living here, I've never seen anything like this.

"We are really worried because it has affected the fish and other species in the river.

Some may have been poisoned and died. The smell is unbearable, and every night this week, we can't sleep because of it."

Anger looms

The contamination has not only harmed the ecosystem but has also paralysed the community's ability to access food and water.

"The health inspector came to inspect the river, and they will advise us when we can use it again. But the real question is, when?

This river is our source of food," Adi Vaoca said, her frustration evident. Vunavutu Village headman Emitai Naleweniikataga expressed his anger over the lack of response from authorities.

"We have sent emails and reports to the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Waterways, the Nadroga Navosa Provincial Council, the Sigatoka District Officer, and all other relevant authorities, but we have received no action. Everything is in black and white, yet nothing has been done."

"We call on the government for immediate action. Our source of food and livelihood has been greatly affected. This spill has caused irreparable damage to our river."

The Department of Energy's West Division officer-in-charge, Saviri Qalica, acknowledged the incident, describing it as "loose oil discharged from the EFL depot".

He assured the public that EFL would use oil spill containment booms to prevent further spread of the contamination.

However, this response has done little to quell the anger and anxiety felt by the villagers. Sigatoka Sub-Divisional Medical Hospital confirmed the oil spill and that they had been notified by EFL.

"We have verified that the spill originated from the EFL depot," the hospital said in a statement.

"It has affected Vunavutu and Nasama residents who rely on the river daily: We have notified our head office due to the urgency of this situation and are requesting EFL to implement mitigation measures immediately:"

Both the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vitimi Rayalu, and the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Mosese Bulitavu, were contacted for comments but had not responded when this edition went to press.

As villagers continue to wait for a resolution, the damage to their river and way of life is already clear.

"We need help now," Adi Vaoca said.

"This river is all we have. We can't wait any longer."

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