Minister commends Northern Environment team’s dedication and efficiency

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya has praised the dedication and efficiency of the Ministry’s Northern Division team during a visit to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change office in Labasa.

During the visit, Labasa Senior Environment Officer Loriza Afreen briefed the Minister on the office’s workload, staffing levels, and operational challenges faced by the division.

Afreen highlighted that despite covering the vast regions of Vanua Levu and Taveuni with only a seven-member team, the office continues to deliver key environmental services effectively.

One of the biggest challenges, she noted, remains travelling to remote and rural communities due to long distances and time constraints. Despite this, the Northern office currently has zero backlog in its work.

The Northern Division team is responsible for Environmental Impact Assessment applications, site inspections, waste disposal permits, compliance monitoring for waste pollution and control, and addressing environmental complaints across Vanua Levu and Taveuni.

Minister Tabuya commended the team for maintaining high standards despite increasing environmental demands and workload pressures.

She also acknowledged the team’s efficiency in processing waste disposal permits and carrying out inspections, describing it as a reflection of strong leadership, commitment, and teamwork within the Northern office.

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