The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) has initiated enforcement measures following an oil discharge incident discovered in a public drain on Jai Ambamma Road in Vatuwaqa. Environmental Inspectors determined that the source of the contamination was the yard of Ashok Transport Pte Limited.
In response to this incident, the Ministry issued a Prohibition Notice along with Remedial Orders in accordance with the Environment Management Act of 2005. A financial penalty of $1,500 was also levied under the Environment Management (Waste Disposal and Recycling) Regulations 2007.
The company has been instructed to conduct a thorough cleanup of oil contamination along both the affected drain and within its premises, with a completion deadline of 14 days. The Prohibition Notice mandates an immediate halt to any discharge of oil, waste oil, or lubricants from the facility.
Dr. Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, emphasized the seriousness of non-compliance with environmental regulations. “Non-compliance with waste permit conditions is a serious offence,” he remarked, reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to impose penalties where negligence is found and to pursue legal action as necessary. He stressed that environmental protection is essential and must be prioritized by businesses to ensure accountability for their operational impacts.
Additionally, the Ministry plans to continue monitoring the site to ensure that the necessary cleanup and compliance measures are effectively undertaken. The MECC has taken this opportunity to remind all businesses, especially those located near waterways, about their responsibilities regarding safe handling, storage, and containment of oil and other hazardous materials.
This proactive response underscores the importance of environmental responsibility and the commitment of the MECC to safeguard public health and ecosystems in Fiji.