FIJI Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has called for parliamentary intervention in the ongoing review of the proposed Vuda Waste to Energy project by The Next Generation Fiji.
Mr Chaudhry said the issue was of immense national concern because of the danger it posed to tourism and bottled water, apart from serious health and environmental risks to people.
“Parliament must also investigate the manner in which the entire matter has been handled, the absence of accountability, the blatant breach of proper procedures in dealing with the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Report and the involvement of top government ministers,” said Mr Chaudhry in a statement.
“The haste with which this project is being fast-tracked is fraught with irregularities, inconsistencies and improprieties.
“Labour is appalled that a project that requires 700,000 tonnes of waste material to be brought into the country each year from Australia and elsewhere to be incinerated here, is being even entertained by the Government.”
He said the scheme was in direct conflict with Fiji’s COP pledges and commitments, and could endanger financial assistance to the nation under Climate Change programs.
“Allowing a foreign waste incineration plant contradicts Fiji’s image as a COP champion committed to climate-friendly initiatives.”
Mr Chaudhry urged the Opposition members to file an urgent censure motion on the issue in Parliament which is to convene for a week from the 27th of this month.
