The Department of Environment received a report at approximately 3:43pm on 30 December 2025 that a bluish discoloration was observed at the stream located beneath the Jerusalem Road bridge in Nabua, Suva.
Officers from the Department immediately conducted a site inspection and traced the source of the discharge to an underground culvert near the Nabua Sewerage Pump Station. Deploying drones, officers conducted an aerial survey to trace the source and assess the extent of the discharge.
The inspection confirmed that raw sewage was overflowing from the culvert and discharging directly into the stream, where it mixed with the bluish substance observed in the water.
Several dead eels were found within the affected section of the stream, indicating a toxic discharge with adverse environmental impacts.
Investigations have established that the Nabua Sewerage Pump Station had been non-operational since 25 December 2025, causing sewage to back up and spill into the waterway.
The Department assesses that the bluish substance was likely disposed of into the sewerage system upstream and was subsequently released into the stream as a result of the pump station failure.
The Department of Environment is working closely with the Water Authority of Fiji and the Suva City Council to contain the incident, assess environmental impacts, and prevent any further discharge.
The pump station has since been restored to operational status, and the bluish discoloration in the stream has dissipated naturally.
Environmental monitoring and investigations remain ongoing.
As a critical precautionary measure, the Department of Environment strongly advises the public to avoid any form of use until further notice.
Permanent Secretary of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Micheal says, the safety of the public and the protection of Fiji’s environment remain our top priorities.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely, implement corrective actions, and keep communities informed as investigations progress,” said Dr Micheal.
The Department of Environment treats this incident with utmost seriousness and remains committed to safeguarding public health and Fiji’s environment.