THE Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a proposed 13-storey apartment development at Vatuwaqa says the project was unlikely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.
Prepared by ENasome Environment Consultant Services and led by environmental consultant Epeli Nasome, the assessment stated that the proposed site was located in an area already subjected to extensive residential and infrastructural development. Any environmental impacts were expected to be insignificant if approved mitigation measures were implemented.
Mr Nasome recommended that periodic site inspections be conducted by relevant authorities, including the Department of Environment and the Suva City Council (SCC), to ensure mitigation measures were effectively implemented during site preparation, construction and operational stages.
The development required consents from the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) and was subject to the Town Planning Act (Cap 139) and General Provisions administered by the DTCP and SCC. The proponent was required to apply for development permission through the SCC, with proposals to comply with planning and building guidelines.
Planning requirements included permitted land use, building setbacks, plot ratios, site coverage controls to prevent over-development and car parking provisions. The proposal included 11 on-site car parking spaces. Building development outline applications lodged with the DTCP and SCC were still under consideration.
During a public consultation held yesterday at the Fiji Teachers Association Hall in Suva, residents raised concerns about limited car parking, questioning where families with more than one vehicle would park. Traffic congestion, road safety and construction-related disruptions were also raised.
Some participants called for construction to begin as soon as possible to provide employment opportunities for unemployed youths and to help steer them away from drug use and glue sniffing.
Mr Nasome said the Fiji Roads Authority was involved in the planning process to address traffic and access concerns.
The project is jointly owned by Cabinet Minister Charan Jeath Singh and former President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
