An investigation is in progress to determine the cause of an oil spill in Suva’s Draunibota Bay.
Environment Ministry permanent secretary Joshua Wycliffe said the spill which occurred earlier this month was of concern.
“It could be anything from the derelict vessel to a boat that went past, so there is an investigation being conducted,” Mr Wycliffe said.
“In our opinion, it could be from a derelict vessel so the department has engaged in extensive discussions with MSAF (Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji) and Fiji Ports.
“We have worked out ourselves as to who is responsible for doing what. We have come up with a plan of action and this is as far as the mitigation is concerned.”
Mr Wycliffe said they also hoped to engage with communities in taking ownership, and on how similar crises could be avoided and better handled in the future.
Traditional owners of Drunibota Bay and the Suva Harbour, yavusa Navakavu expressed grave concerns at the recent spillage.
They said it affected the marine environment and their fishing grounds. Mr Wycliffe said any oil spill whether minor or major was a great concern for the Environment Ministry and when there was a breach in environmental conditions, their inspectors would go and inspect.
He said they would work with agencies and communities to be able to rectify results.
The Department of Environment, he said, has instructed relevant agencies to have this professionally handled and have a clean-up in the area.
“The long-term mitigation is for this not to happen again, the department has engaged and instructed related agencies to handle the root cause of this problem.”
