THE proposed $1.4billion waste-to-energy plant in Vuda is facing a major setback after it emerged that a developer owns only a fraction of the required land, with key landowners refusing to give up the rest.
The oceanfront facility requires 85 hectares for development, but one of the project’s developers holds only 20 hectares, leaving the remaining land to be sourced from native landowners.
Saweni landowner Apimeleki Nasalo said he was not willing to release his land, adding that much of it had already been earmarked for tourism-based developments.
“I know that a lot of landowners are against this project and we have written to Government asking for their help,” he said.
“I have leased part of my land located next to this area where they are planning to build this incinerator to a developer who wants to build a resort. We won’t allow any other projects there.”
The proposed project has drawn mounting criticism from residents, business owners and politicians, with concerns ranging from environmental risks to lack of consultation.
Among those opposing the development are Ronald Blake and Lee-Ann Forrest, who have mobilised support from various groups calling for the project to be halted.
“This area has been branded by the landowners recently as a heritage coast for prime tourism development,” Mrs Forrest said.
“It is one of the last frontiers of coastal mainland accessible to that type of prime tourism development.”
Mr Blake raised concerns over whether proper procedures had been followed, particularly regarding landowner consent under Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements.
“They have not followed that due process or have an agreement in principle to purchase the lease,” he said.
“If you do not follow that particular provision it has to be redone. That is the most critical aspect of the EIA, to consult the landowners and get written consent.”
Mrs Forrest also claimed that leaseholders were not adequately informed about initial survey works carried out by developers.
“We did a survey of all of the lease holders in the area and only one was given notice that geotechnical work was going to be done on their property while the rest had no idea,” she said.
Questions have been sent to the Ministry of Environment.
