THE developer working on the proposed Natadola Cable Landing project is yet to submit additional information of its construction work despite requests from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
The Natadola facility will serve as the landing point for Google’s high-capacity trans-oceanic subsea cables, including the Tabua and Bulikula systems.
Permanent secretary for Environment Dr Sivendra Michael said while the department was yet to carry out a compliance inspection of the site, Staghorn Services Pte Ltd has not made the necessary submissions requested by the Government in February.
“The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change re-confirms that the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) submitted by Staghorn Services Pte Ltd (SSPL) for the proposed two beach manholes and trenching of conduits leading to the landing station facility at Malomalo, Nadroga, was declined on February 5, 2026,” Dr Michael said.
“The ministry confirms that, following the decline of the EMP, SSPL has not submitted any additional information to address the issues that formed the basis of the decision.
“As stated in the ministry’s media release of July 29, 2026, any future submission by SSPL will be assessed in accordance with the requirements of the Environment Management Act and applicable environmental assessment procedures.
“The ministry wishes to clarify that no compliance inspection has been undertaken at the Natadola site since its statement of July 29, 2026.”
He said the ministry maintained that all development proponents are required to obtain the necessary environmental approvals before undertaking activities that are subject to regulatory assessment and approval requirements.
“To strengthen environmental compliance and deter unauthorised activities, fixed penalty provisions were introduced through the Environment Management (Amendment) Act 2025, strengthening the ministry’s ability to take timely enforcement action against non-compliance.
“The introduction of fixed penalties forms part of broader efforts to improve regulatory compliance, reinforce accountability, and ensure that proponents adhere to established environmental assessment and approval processes.”
He said this sent a clear message that environmental requirements must be satisfied before development activities proceed.
“The ministry acknowledges that technological infrastructure and operational requirements may evolve over time.
“However, any development approved under the environmental assessment process is assessed based on the scope, scale, and activities presented by the proponent at the time of application.
“Should there be any material changes to the nature, scale, capacity, or operational footprint of a project beyond what was originally assessed and approved, the proponent is required to notify the ministry and may be required to obtain further environmental approvals, depending on the extent of the proposed changes.”
