Tusker rejects pollution claims as landowners call for action
March 31, 2026 10:14 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Nicholas Mwai.
Customary landowners and residents in the Tagabe area have raised concerns over alleged river pollution and potential risks to public health, claiming that discharge from the Tusker Vanuatu Brewing Limited factory may be affecting the Tagabe River and nearby communities.
In a formal complaint to authorities, the family of Maël Robson and members of the Bakokoto clan allege that activities linked to the company have caused environmental damage, including the loss of aquatic life and contamination of water sources relied upon by residents.
The complaint describes liquid discharge, particularly during heavy rainfall, which they believe has led to the death of fish, eels, crabs and other river species, as well as damage to plant life along the riverbanks.
Community members say the river, which many households depend on for daily use such as cooking and fishing, is no longer safe.
“We have observed unusual substances coming from the drainage system into the river since around 2019,” the customary landowners said in their letter. “This has polluted the water and affected the entire chain of life in the river.”
The complaint also raises health concerns, with claims that prolonged exposure to the water may be linked to illness in the area, including suspected poisoning and chronic conditions.
Residents say the situation is concerning, as many families have no alternative water source due to financial limitations.
The landowners point to their customary ties to the land, saying families have lived in the area for more than 60 years under traditional arrangements, with a responsibility to protect the river and surrounding environment.
They are calling on the Government to investigate the matter, including water testing, soil checks and assessment of possible health impacts on communities from Tagabe down to the sea.
The group is also seeking independent environmental experts, including regional organisations based in New Caledonia, to carry out scientific assessments.
Questions have also been raised about whether proper wastewater treatment systems are in place and whether operations comply with environmental regulations.
The complainants are seeking immediate steps from authorities, including possible suspension of operations, cancellation of permits or relocation of the company if the claims are proven.
They warn that damage to the river ecosystem could take years, if not decades, to recover without timely intervention.
The claims have not been independently verified.
In response, Tusker Vanuatu Brewing Ltd has rejected the allegations, saying the water discharged into the area is not polluted.
The company said the drainage is located on its property and that water flowing into the river during rainfall is runoff from its buildings and site.
“All the water that is discharged there is rainwater collected from our site and buildings,” the company said. “It is not chemical waste as claimed.”
Tusker added that if pollution were occurring, relevant authorities, particularly the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation, would have already identified the issue.
The company also suggested the complaint may be linked to an ongoing land matter, saying some individuals on the land had previously been issued eviction orders.
“There is no pollution in that water,” the company said. “It is only rainwater from our site.”
The matter is expected to draw wider public attention, with calls for greater scrutiny and awareness, including engagement with international environmental organisations.
