The issue of gravel extraction in Vakabuli Paipai was yesterday raised by a resident to Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama.

Sharita Singh told the PM that their ecosystem has been damaged due to gravel extraction.

“And it’s a continuous gravel extraction like the Paipai River, the extraction has been ongoing for a few months and now of the school children or adults would swim in the river because it was so muddy. Even the farm animals couldn’t use it.”

Singh asked if something could be done.

Responding to the concern, Voreqe Bainimarama says they will look into it with the Ministry and they will draft an Environment Impact Assessment.