FORMER Waterways and Environment Minister Mahendra Reddy says people should protest if they do not agree with any alteration made by the Government to the natural environment.
Speaking during a media conference yesterday he questioned the expertise of staff at the Prime Minister’s Office who “interfered” on decisions “that should be made by the Director of Environment”.
Mr Reddy said his concerns were on the lifting of stop work orders on Dayals Steels Pte Ltd and a $30 million project undertaken in Nadi by the owners of Laucala Island.
“The recent weeks’ turn of events, which are repeated interference by Prime Minister’s Office on the decisions of the Director of Environment, sets a dangerous precedent of the highest office in the government and is unlawful and in breach of Section 40 of the 2013 Constitution, which states every person has the right to clean and healthy environment,” Mr Reddy said.
“The current approach taken will now see every investor, having any grievance, will now raise it with the Honorable Prime Minister’s office without exhausting the process laid down in the Environmental Management Act.
“These decisions made by the Environment Ministry are scientific in nature and therefore require scientific input rather than political interference.
“I’m also calling on all Fijians, and people of all walks of life to stand up and protest against any destruction, pollution and alteration of their natural environment.”
He said the FF government had always been steadfast when it came to issues relating to environment and ownership of natural resources.
“We had dealt with numerous investors who argued to pump in millions of dollars and create thousands of jobs, thus requesting to waive certain stringent environmental requirements.
“We did not budge because we had a vision of where we want future Fiji to be and how our environment and our natural resources should continue to support future Fijians.
“There were investors who were using COVID as an excuse to shortcut environmental requirements; we did not budge as we know knew COVID will pass, but we will be here to witness our state of environment.”
Mr Reddy said he was very worried and that the public should “take a stand if they wish to ensure to maintain our nation’s resources in the same state, the same breath and the same brand”. n A Government spokesperson said a response to Mr Reddy’s statement would be made today.
