The community group Protect the Heritage Coast – Vuda, Saweni has welcomed the decision by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to reject the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the proposed Energy-from-Waste Plant and Private Port Facility at Vuda Point.
In a statement issued following the announcement, the group described the decision as a significant outcome for the communities of Vuda and Saweni and for those who participated in the consultation process.
“The decision by the Fiji Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to reject the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the proposed Energy-from-Waste Plant and Private Port Facility at Vuda Point is a significant and welcome outcome for the communities of Vuda and Saweni, and for all those who participated in this process in good faith,” the group said.
Protect the Heritage Coast said the Department of Environment’s findings confirmed concerns that had been raised by residents, landowners, tourism operators, environmental advocates and independent experts over many months.
“The Department’s findings confirm what many residents, landowners, tourism operators, environmental advocates, and independent experts have been raising for many months: that there were substantial unanswered questions and unresolved risks associated with this proposal.”
The group stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as opposition to investment, development or improved waste management solutions.
“Importantly, this decision is not a rejection of investment, development, renewable energy, or improved waste management solutions. It is a confirmation that major developments must meet the legal, environmental, technical, social, cultural, and economic standards required under Fiji’s environmental laws.”
According to the group, the Department identified a range of major concerns, including issues relating to waste supply, imported waste, hazardous ash disposal, water resources, public health, environmental impacts, tourism, infrastructure requirements and the overall economic viability of the project.
“These are not minor matters. They are fundamental issues that should have been adequately addressed before approval could be considered.”
The group acknowledged the Department of Environment and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change for what it described as a thorough technical assessment and evidence-based decision-making process.
It also thanked traditional landowners, residents, civil society organisations, technical experts, businesses and members of the public who participated in consultations and submitted feedback.
Protect the Heritage Coast said the outcome demonstrated the importance of public participation in environmental decision-making and called for lessons to be learned from the process.
“Today is not about winners and losers. It is about ensuring that development in Fiji proceeds responsibly, transparently, and in a manner that protects our people, environment, culture, livelihoods, and economy.”
The group said it remained supportive of sustainable solutions to Fiji’s waste management challenges but maintained that future proposals must be backed by sound science, transparent processes, genuine community engagement and clear evidence that risks can be properly managed.
