‘Wasteland’ – Villagers ‘disappointed’ with Speaker’s ruling

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Opposition member of Parliament Lenora Qereqeretabua (left) and National Federation Party communications and research offi cer Apenisa Vatuniveivuke tread carefully along what used to be lush greenery near the Sigatoka River mouth. Picture: JOVESA NAISUA

MAGNETITE mining at the mouth of the Sigatoka River has turned what was once a thriving biodiversity of marine life into what villagers say is a wasteland.

Nahigatoka Village headman Alipate Qaraniqio said his people were “extremely disappointed” after Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau ruled a petition signed by 900 people was not admissible in the House.

Opposition parliamentarians visited the area yesterday and vowed to continue to highlight the issue.

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