DEPUTY Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka says investments into the sector are always welcomed but they should never come at a cost to the environment.
He said this yesterday in response to queries from The Fiji Times on the proposed $600 million Tian Lun Ltd integrated hotel-tourism development in Nasese that has raised the ire of many Fijians.
Many took to social media platforms to express their outrage at the proposed destruction of mangrove forest along Leveti Creek, with some calling on the people’s coalition Government to revoke the lease provided to the Chinese firm by the FijiFirst administration.
“We should be cautious that this does not come at a cost to both our environment and our people,” Mr Gavoka said. “This is why we have laws in place to ensure protection of our resources and sustainability of investments.
“I understand the consultants are still undertaking the Environment Impact Assessment and the report is yet to be submitted to the Department of Environment for a decision to be made.”
Mr Gavoka said the Department of Environment was working closing with the consultants and developers to ensure “there is compliance with all the relevant environment laws of Fiji”.
“I also understand the public consultations are yet to be held. I am sure we all agree the value of our natural resources weighs heavily with most in Fiji, so consultation must be inclusive and thorough.”
A spokesperson from the company who spoke to The Fiji Times said they were relooking at the project and would ensure there was no harm to the environment and the mangroves.
The Fiji Times sent questions to the Office of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who is also Minister for Environment, on Government’s position on the concerns raised about the development remained unanswered when this edition went to press.
