The Member for Rai Coast Open wants the government bodies responsible for mining and environment to investigate what had happened at Ramu Nico’s Basamuk Refinery in Madang, which she claimed is now affecting the people in the area using the sea for their food source. Member Kessy Sawang said that acidic slurry from a burst pipe due to an accident at the refinery, has leaked into the sea and is damaging the marine life in the environment. She said that accident occurred in mid- May. There have been reports as well of people becoming ill after eating fish that were caught in the bay area and already there have been deaths reported as well. The member said that it was reported that a mother and her daughter have died this month after eating fish caught in the waters. “After the eating the fish, the mother and the eleven-year-old girl had bleeding from the nose and died instantly, while nine others have been admitted at the Modilon General Hospital,” said the member. Meanwhile, the Mining Minister, Sir Ano Pala, has given his assurance that necessary responses have been taken and the mining department along with the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) are in the process of investigating this very serious matter. A report on this incident will also be put out, once the investigation is concluded and the findings made public.