The Government has defended the development of Google’s ICT facility at Natadola, saying the project has followed all legal requirements and extensive consultations, while rejecting claims circulating on social media about the investment.
In a statement, Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development Esrom Immanuel described the project as one of Fiji’s most significant digital infrastructure investments.
“This facility will strengthen our country’s digital connectivity, improve resilience, create employment and reinforce Fiji’s position as a trusted destination for global technology investment,” Mr Immanuel said.
“Fijians deserve to have this conversation based on facts, not speculation, and Government intends to make those facts available at every step.”
The Government said consultations on the project involved the Ministry of Lands, the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB), the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), Google and community representatives.
A joint consultation with the Sanasana community was held in November 2024, followed by a groundbreaking ceremony on 30 November 2024. Traditional leaders were also invited to inspect the specialist cable-laying vessel and receive technical briefings on the submarine cable works.
Government said all approvals required for laying the submarine cable within Fiji’s waters were issued by the relevant authorities.
Addressing concerns over land ownership, Government said the ICT facility occupies only a three-acre sublease belonging to Tokatoka Vunamocelolo, with consultation on the lease beginning in November 2023.
It said the sublease is between Staghorn Pte Ltd, a Google subsidiary, and NBRL, a subsidiary of FNPF, with approximately $117,872.37 already paid in land rental through TLTB for distribution to landowners.
The Government also highlighted the project’s economic benefits, saying about 110 local workers are currently employed by Google’s construction contractor, Pernix, with most drawn from Sanasana Village and neighbouring communities.
It said Google and FNPF have also committed to community projects, including a water supply project for Sanasana Village and a new marketplace for the village and surrounding communities.
Responding to claims raised publicly, Government said no waiver of customary fishing rights was required for the project and no compensation relating to fishing rights was applicable.
It also said the project footprint covers only three acres, not the entirety of the Vanua o Nahoqo lands, and that Government agencies have not received any formal concerns from either the Vanua o Nahoqo or Tokatoka Vunamocelolo, the customary landowning unit.
“Government respects the rights and voices of our landowners. Where genuine concerns arise through the proper channels, we remain committed to dialogue, transparency and ensuring that all legal processes are followed,” Mr Immanuel said.
“What we will not do is allow a small number of loud but unsubstantiated claims on social media to override a process that has been consulted on, approved and delivered in accordance with the law.”
Mr Immanuel said attracting world-class investment and protecting community interests were complementary goals.
“These are not competing objectives — they go hand in hand. We can protect the interests of our people while also creating opportunities that generate jobs, strengthen communities and position Fiji as a leader in the digital economy,” he said.
The Government said it remains committed to ensuring major investments deliver long-term benefits while respecting Fiji’s laws, customary land tenure and the rights of indigenous landowners.
