THE founder of The Next Generation Fiji has acknowledged concerns raised by Fiji’s Ambassador to the United Nations over the proposed waste-to-energy incinerator at Vuda, particularly around imported waste and compliance with international environmental standards.
TNG’s principal partner Rob Cromb said the project was designed primarily to address Fiji’s domestic waste challenges and not to process imported waste, following warnings from Filipo Tarakinikini about the long-term environmental risks of the proposal.
Earlier this week, Mr Tarakinikini cautioned that the project could leave Fiji with significant environmental consequences if not properly regulated.
“Burning 900,000 tonnes of waste annually produces between 225,000 and 300,000 tonnes of highly toxic residue – fly ash and bottom ash laden with persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, and dioxins,” he said.
“This ash does not disappear. It must be stored, managed, and contained – permanently, on Fijian soil.
“Australia’s waste becomes Fiji’s permanent toxic legacy.”
In response, Mr Cromb clarified that the facility’s purpose is focused on managing Fiji-generated waste that cannot be recycled and is currently ending up in landfills or unmanaged environments.
“This project is designed to address Fiji’s domestic waste challenge.
“The facility’s capacity and purpose are aligned with managing waste generated within Fiji, reducing reliance on landfill and supporting the country’s long-term waste management needs.”
He said the plant would process pre-treated, non-hazardous residual waste and would operate under strict environmental safeguards.
“More broadly, waste-to-energy facilities globally operate under strict environmental and regulatory frameworks, including advanced emissions control systems and continuous monitoring.
“These are exactly the types of safeguards being assessed through the EIA process currently underway.”
Waste plan figure not final
THE 700,000 tonnes of waste cited in relation to the proposed $1.4billion waste-to-energy project
represents a theoretical maximum processing capacity and not a confirmed operational model, says
The Next Generation Fiji.
Founder Rob Cromb said the figure has been misinterpreted, following concerns raised over
suggestions that large volumes of waste could be transported into Fiji by ships and barges for the
proposed facility.
“Importantly, the project is focused on addressing waste generated within Fiji, including waste that is
currently unmanaged, informally dumped, or not captured in official data sets,” Mr Cromb said.
He said detailed logistics, including transport and handling systems, were still being refined as part of
ongoing engineering design work and the Environmental Impact Assessment process.
“Any final configuration would need to align with Fiji’s infrastructure capacity, regulatory requirements, and environmental safeguards,” he said.
“At this stage, no final operational model has been approved.”
Mr Cromb also addressed concerns about maritime security risks, including potential illicit activity
linked to waste movement, saying such concerns were valid but already covered under existing
systems.
“However, it is important to note that all movements of goods into Fiji are already governed by established
national and international systems, including oversight by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Fiji Police Force and Republic of Fiji Navy,” he said.
“These systems include cargo declarations, inspections, and tracking protocols.”
He said the project would operate within these frameworks, with additional safeguards including
controlled handling procedures, monitoring systems and regulatory oversight.
“Rather than creating gaps, a regulated system introduces greater transparency and traceability,” he
said.
Not a box-ticking exercise – Cromb
THIS is not a box-ticking exercise. The Next Generation Fiji founder Rob Cromb made this comment following a three day public consultation on the proposed $1.4billion waste-to-energy project earmarked for the Vuda-Saweni Bay corridor.
He told this newspaper on Tuesday the proposal was aimed at addressing a “very real and growing issue”
of waste management in Fiji while contributing to energy security and long-term resilience.
“We respect that not everyone will support this project, and that is their right,” Mr Cromb said.
He said the project would not be advanced without scrutiny.
“And it will not proceed unless it meets Fiji’s environmental, legal, and regulatory standards.
“We encourage people to stay engaged, ask questions, and review the evidence.
“This is an ongoing process, and ultimately, any decision will be based on science, independent
assessment, and the long-term interests of Fiji.”
Mr Cromb said the three days of public consultations have been an important part of the project.
“They have reinforced that Fijians are engaged, informed, and care deeply about both environmental
protection and sustainable development.
“We have received a wide range of feedback from support recognising the urgency of addressing Fiji’s
growing waste challenge, to legitimate concerns around environmental safeguards, health impacts,
and transparency. These concerns are valid and are being taken seriously.”
He said all submissions were being formally recorded and will be considered as part of the Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) and Government review process.
“This is not a box-ticking exercise. Where feedback highlights areas for improvement, we are committed to refining aspects of the project, particularly around monitoring, transparency, and ongoing community engagement.
“Consultation does not end here – it is an ongoing process.”
