The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) has taken decisive action following the illegal disposal of fish waste along Namosi Road, which is associated with a fish processing facility in Walu Bay. Investigations by the MECC revealed that the company responsible was operating without a valid Waste Disposal Permit and had employed an unlicensed transporter for waste removal.
During a joint inspection, it was established that the transporter attempted to deliver the waste to the Naboro Landfill but was denied entry due to inadequate packaging of the waste. Further investigations, bolstered by landfill records and CCTV footage, confirmed that the same vehicle later dumped the waste unlawfully along Namosi Road.
The MECC successfully recovered the dumped waste and returned it to the processing facility, which then arranged for proper disposal through a licensed waste operator at the Naboro Landfill. As a result of these violations, the MECC plans to issue a Non-Compliance Notice to the company for operating without the necessary permit and will pursue further enforcement actions regarding the illegal dumping, as stipulated under Section 45 of the Environment Management Act 2005.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Lynda Tabuya, condemned the illegal activity, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable. “This conduct is unacceptable. Businesses are legally required to hold valid permits and to use licensed waste operators. Ignorance or convenience does not excuse unlawful dumping,” she stated. Tabuya highlighted the risks associated with illegal waste disposal, including threats to public health, undermining compliant businesses, and environmental damage, expressing the Ministry’s commitment to take strong action against violations.
The Ministry has reiterated the importance of environmental compliance, warning that regulatory breaches will result in significant enforcement measures. MECC has also called on businesses and waste operators to adhere to permit requirements and implement proper waste management practices to safeguard public safety and prevent environmental degradation.