Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr Sivendra Michael has pushed back against criticism over the handling of the proposed Vuda Waste-to-Energy project, saying suggestions that it should have been stopped at his level are legally flawed.
“To suggest that a project should have been stopped at the PS’s table is not just incorrect, it is a direct call to disregard the law and due process,” Dr Michael said in a social media statement.
He emphasised that environmental approvals in Fiji are governed by the Environment Management Act 2005 and the Environment Management (EIA Process) Regulations 2007, which set out a clear and structured process.
“Environmental approvals are not determined by opinion, personalities, or selective consultation. They are governed by a clear statutory process,” he said.
Dr Michael explained that the responsibility for screening, technical review and decision-making lies with the Director of Environment and qualified technical officers, not the Permanent Secretary acting independently.
“The Permanent Secretary does not sit as a unilateral decision maker and cannot lawfully stop or approve a project outside of that framework,” he said, adding that his role is only engaged at the appeal stage.
He also rejected claims that certain individuals should have been consulted outside the formal process, saying the EIA framework already provides avenues for expert input, independent assessments and public participation.
“The legal avenue is through the EIA process — not informal or selective engagement, and certainly not speculation,” he said.
Dr Michael urged stakeholders with concerns about the Vuda project to participate in consultations and submit evidence through the proper channels, stressing that decisions must be guided by law and due process.
