LANDOWNERS in Vuda and Saweni will this week formally present a letter of opposition to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, in a last-ditch effort to raise concerns over the proposed Vuda waste-to-energy power plant.
Led by the tokatoka o Wadigi, the letter has been signed by various landowners, including the Tui Vuda, Ratu Eparama Tavaiqia, and the Taukei Vidilo, Ratu Wiliame Bauwalu.
Wadigi clan headman Apimeleki Nasalo said the group respected the government’s Environmental Impact Assessment process but felt strongly compelled to bring their concerns directly to the head of government.
“This is about our livelihood and our future generations,” said Mr Nasalo.
“We have written this formal letter for the Prime Minister to formally express our concern about this project.
“We have been learning about what it could do to our environment and we don’t want anything like that on our land.”
Mr Nasalo said the Tui Vuda’s support, received last Friday, had strengthened the collective voice of landowners.
“We hope the Government will hear our call and really look at the impact this project will have on our people and our resources.”
A meeting held last Saturday between residents and members of the Protect Our Heritage Coast Committee, in Vuda, also called on Government to reject the proposed $1.4billion project.
Committee chairperson Paul Forrest said the proposal raised multiple red flags requiring urgent attention.
The committee has also organised a protest march through Lautoka City this Friday, where residents will present a petition opposing the project, signed by more than 8000 people, to Department of Environment officers.
