BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
UNMANAGED oil discharge from the Solomon Power station at Gizo Outback, Western Province, is raising serious health and environmental concerns among residents living near the facility.
Speaking to this paper, local resident Moffat Maeta said the oil leakage has been ongoing for some time, spilling onto nearby roads and drainage systems and seeping into the surrounding environment.
He said the continuous oil flow has not only polluted the area but also damaged some of his personal properties located close to the drainage.
“The oil comes directly from the Solomon Power station. It flows to the roadside and into the drainage whenever there’s rainfall. The smell is strong, and it’s affecting our health and the environment,” Maeta explained.
He added that the situation worsens during heavy rain, as oil spreads further into residential areas, contaminating soil and water sources.
Maeta said he hopes the company and relevant authorities will respond urgently to protect the community’s health and prevent further environmental degradation.
“We just want them to take responsibility and fix this problem before it gets worse,” he said.
The incident underscores growing community concerns over the management of industrial waste and the need for stronger environmental safeguards in provincial centers.
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