Stopping the MV Lomaiviti Princess from sailing could mean the collapse to Fiji’s shipping industry says owner George Goundar.
Defending his ship Goundar says she is prevented from sailing, while all other inter island vessels have to do the same as all ships have asbestos.
A letter to Goundar last week confirmed that asbestos was found on the walls of his ship as well as in the ventilation system.
He has been given two weeks to remove them which according to him impossible.
“My best suggestion is to leave it alone and monitor it. That what the IMO guideline is for. You monitor asbestos on board. That’s the more practical way. To remove asbestos on board what are we going to replace it by?"
Meanwhile Labour Minister Jone Usamate says the matter is being addresses and they are keeping an eye on health issues.
