The Government has no legal power to cancel the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for a controversial waste management project proposed for Vuda and Saweni.
The admission comes as the EIA process for the TNG Fiji project remains underway, with public submissions closing on April 22, and the developer indicating construction could begin as early as the fourth quarter of this year if approval is granted.
“The EIA process is still underway, and the Department has no legal authority to cancel it unless the proponent withdraws its application,” said Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya.
The minister said community concerns raised through petitions and public feedback would be captured within the process itself.
“The EIA process includes a social impact component, and the concerns raised from the public are part of that process.
“The community feedback is also part of the public consultation process which is currently being organised.”
Ms Tabuya said any reconsidering of the project after the EIA concluded would need to go through the Environment Tribunal, adding that the Government stood behind its environmental and health safeguard obligations.
“The Government provides its full assurance that all environmental and health safeguards are assessed.
“It will conduct necessary studies where required,” adding that EIA reports would be reviewed by a technical committee that includes independent experts.
On alternative waste solutions, Ms Tabuya said the Government was pursuing a separate Western Waste Management Facility project in partnership with the Asian Development Bank and UNDP, currently at feasibility stage.
Following the April 22 submissions deadline, public consultation and technical review committees will convene before a final decision is issued.
