Residents living along Tagabe River, stretching toward the Blacksands area, are raising serious concerns over dirty water and foul smells flowing from a drainage connected to the new Tusker Vanuatu Brewing Limited factory.

The discharge is reportedly entering the river near the Tagabe settlement area, around 100 metres from the Tagabe bridge.

The issue has sparked fears over environmental safety, especially for river life and the many people who rely on the river daily for swimming, washing, and cleaning cooking utensils.

VBTC News visited the area known as Smol Aelan in Tagabe and spoke with residents who were washing pots in the river.

One resident said the water had turned white and was no longer safe to use.

“The water comes down white and this makes it difficult for us to continue using the river,” the resident said.

Families living close to the drainage outlet say children regularly swim in the river and households depend on it for daily activities.

“We use the river for swimming, washing, brushing pots, and the children swim there a lot,” another resident said.

Residents also pointed out that it is not only water coming from the drainage, but thick white waste can also be seen floating on the surface.

VBTC News contacted Julien Hurtrel, General Manager of Tusker Vanuatu Brewing Limited, who confirmed that the drainage does come from the company’s factory.

He explained that the discharge usually occurs during heavy rain and, to the company’s knowledge, the water is safe.

Following complaints, he said the company would wait for a proper study or assessment to determine whether the discharge poses any danger.

Mr Hurtrel added that during the last assessment carried out by the Department of Environment, the findings indicated that everything was within safe limits.

VBTC News also raised the issue with the Department of Environment, but no comment had been received at the time of publication.