85 notices issued to businesses for environment breach

It is disappointing to note that there are businesses out there that do not comply, despite continuous efforts by the ministry to raise awareness: Sandeep Singh

The Department of Environment has issued 44 non-compliance notices, and 41 prohibition notices this year to businesses, for breaking environmental laws.

Director Environment, Sandeep Singh, made the remark at the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Roundtable Discussion on Climate Resilience Infrastructure, at Novotel Hotel in Nadi.

Discussions centred around the commemoration of World Environment Day, and World Oceans Day.

Ms Singh said the department processed and facilitated more than $885 million worth of sustainable investments this year.

“It is disappointing to note that there are businesses out there that do not comply, despite continuous efforts by the ministry to raise awareness, through EIA roundtables, and EIA clinics,” she said.

“We all know that climate risks to infrastructure can be reduced by locating assets in areas that are less exposed to climate hazards.”

She said one example was to avoid construction in flood plains, and create sustainabley durable assets that could withstand the weather climate.

“We continue to see an increase in the number of EIA’s that take into consideration climate vulnerability,” she said.

Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Mahendra Reddy said: “What we are striving for is to ensure that we safeguard and protect the existing stock of biological resources and we build resilience amongst it.

“Often when we see issues coming up in the private sector where regulators are involved.

“It means, we are in some way not sharing a common vision, Government’s vision is the betterment of all the stakeholders.”

The roundtable discussions concluded with a cleanup of Wailoaloa Beach.