The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources has not issued a development lease for the proposed Nokonoko Integrated Development because the developer has yet to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Application.
According to the ministry, the developer has already met several key requirements for a five-year development lease.
These include a signed waiver of fishing rights by the qoliqoli owners, payment of the Fishing Rights Impact Assessment, a public advertisement of the proposed foreshore development, and a concept plan for the project.
The only outstanding item is the EIA Screening Application.
The ministry said it recognised the need for responsible land management and climate-resilient development but added that it was the responsibility of regulatory authorities to ensure full compliance.
These authorities include the ministries of Environment and Climate Change, Lands and Mineral Resources, and Local Government.
Ministries and other agencies have also enforced strict clauses in the proposed development lease to ensure the developer “sternly adhere” to all EIA terms and conditions throughout the project.
