GOV’T CALLED ON TO ADDRESS RIPEL ISSUE IMMEDIATELY
Lavukal Trust Board is representing the Russell Islands indigenous people. Photo: SIBC
The Lavukal Trust Board calls on the Government to immediately address the RIPEL issue as former workers resort to illegal activities for survival.
A spokesman for the board Eddie Grant Suku says the Board has received and witnessed former RIPEL workers using dynamite for fishing.
Mr Grant says two canoes were recently seen using the explosive device to kill fish in the Russell and Yandina area.
He says the Government needs to address the RIPEL issue immediately.
“From what I saw on Tuesday afternoon oil has leaked out of the landing barge and this will destroy corals in that area as a 12,000 liters of oil has sunk with an excavator. A delay in salvaging the machine will destroy marine habitats in the area.”
Meanwhile, the Lavukal Trust Board spokesman appeals to the Honiara City Council to monitor fish sold at the Central market from Central province, because they could be killed using dynamite which is harmful for human consumption.
“I went around in the market and saw people still selling fish caught through dynamite fishing and the Honiara City Council should be made aware as fish caught this way is illegal and is putting lives at risk.”