BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Unexplained fish deaths along the Chovohio river, also called Metapona, is worrying villagers who are calling on authorities to investigate.
Derick Tova, a resident of Turarana village in Central Guadalcanal, raised concerns after discovering a dead fish in the river.
He said other members of the community have also seen unexplained fish deaths, a situation that has persisted for three days.
In an interview with Island Sun on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Mr Tova said he encountered the dead fish while walking along the river on Thursday last week.
Turarana village is situated inland on Guadalcanal Plains along the Chovohio River.
Tova, a former teacher said they are situated downstream from the Gold Ridge mine, which is currently in operation.
He added that their community has a population of around 6000 individuals and is located approximately 5 kilometres from the Gold Ridge mine.
“Who will go to raise this issue with the company? We Turarana people and Tausoro people, suffer from this containment,” he stressed.
He said the situation consistently arises during periods of rainfall, at times worsening further.
The Director of the Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) at the Ministry of Environment, Joseph Hurutarau, was formally informed of the matter following an inquiry from Island Sun regarding the issue.
He said he will have his officer asses the pollution.
However, Hurutarau said that mobilisation can only commence if a formal request is submitted through the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification.
“This way, we can respond appropriately. In terms of mobilising additional personnel and resources for assessment, we first require that request and will then consider the budget, finances, fuel, and so forth,” he said.
Despite the difficulties, Hurutarau said that two of his officers will be sent to the location.
“My team will be dispatched, although I am uncertain regarding the Ministry of Mines. One or two of my officers may attend. I require someone to accompany them,” he said.
The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification has not responded to attempts by this paper for comments.
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