A group opposing the proposed $1.4 billion Vuda Waste-to-Energy power plant project has put out an expression of interest inviting lawyers to join their fight.
Members of the Protect the Heritage Coast Taskforce has hinted they will be challenging The Next Generation Fiji’s plans of constructing a power plant and port facility in Vuda.
In a statement, the taskforce explained they are preparing to ‘lawyer up’.
“We must get ready for what may be a long battle in the courts with TNG Fiji as the developer’s Environmental Impact Assessment claims are considered by the Government,” the taskforce statement said.
“The ‘Protect the Heritage Coast Taskforce’ is running a half-page Expression of Interest advert for Legal Services in both the daily newspapers today and then again on the same days next week.
“The strength of the community response is such that we feel we really have no choice, but to make sure this project is defeated.
“It’s supposedly a $1.4 billion proposed investment, so we all better get ready.”
The taskforce said they have been assured of funding from tourism industry stakeholders.
“The taskforce has assurances of direct funding from ‘absolutely horrified’ tourism industry stakeholders, but we also plan to use our digital database — including the 7000-plus signatories on their online petition — to secure what is called ‘small dollar’ funding.
“After more than four weeks of intense work, the more people find out about this project the stronger the opposition seems to be.
“We’re conscious of how many significant flaws appear both in the process and in TNG Fiji’s EIA responses.
“The proposal has drawn widespread condemnation both locally and overseas after the backers made it clear in their published material and corporate videos and community presentations in January that their financial assumptions relied on household waste imported from around the Pacific, but principally Australia.
“The deadline for law firms interested in responding to the EIA is the close of business on May 22.”
