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🇫🇯 Fiji /Environment & Climate

Major Victory for Vuda-Saweni Taskforce as Ministry Rejects Incinerator Project

From FBC News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A taskforce has welcomed the Ministry of Environment's rejection of a proposed waste-to-energy incinerator and deepwater port.
  • The Ministry cited comprehensive reasons for rejecting the Environmental Impact Assessment submitted by TNG Fiji Ltd.
  • The decision is seen as a significant milestone, prompting a national conversation on waste management and environmental protection in Fiji.

The Protect the Heritage Coast – Vuda-Saweni Taskforce has celebrated a significant victory following the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's decision to reject a proposed waste-to-energy incinerator and deepwater port development. TNG Fiji Ltd had sought approval for a project involving 900,000 tonnes of waste at Naikorokoro Point.

the Ministry’s reasons for rejecting the proposal were comprehensive and addressed many of the concerns raised by the group since its formation in January.

— Paul ForrestTaskforce organiser Paul Forrest commenting on the Ministry's decision.

Taskforce organiser Paul Forrest stated that the Ministry's rejection was based on comprehensive reasons that addressed the group's concerns raised since its formation in January. Forrest described the decision as a major milestone, emphasizing that the focus must now shift to addressing Fiji's persistent waste management issues, particularly those surrounding the Vunato landfill.

the focus must now return to addressing Fiji’s long-standing waste management challenges, particularly issues surrounding the Vunato landfill.

— Paul ForrestTaskforce organiser Paul Forrest on the next steps after the project's rejection.

The taskforce highlighted the substantial public opposition to the project, noting over 2.5 million views on their Facebook page, more than 7,000 online petition signatures, 875 emailed submissions, and over 3,000 signatures delivered to the Department of Environment. Forrest commended the community members who voiced their opposition, demonstrating widespread support for protecting the Heritage Coast.

their collective efforts demonstrated widespread support for protecting the Heritage Coast.

— Paul ForrestTaskforce organiser Paul Forrest praising community members who spoke out against the proposal.

Furthermore, the Taskforce extended its commendation to the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Sivendra Michael, Ministry officials, and the Technical Review Committee for their diligent handling of the assessment process. Forrest characterized the outcome as an encouraging moment for environmental governance in Fiji, thanking the Ministry for its leadership throughout the review.

the decision as an encouraging moment for environmental governance in Fiji and thanked the Ministry for its leadership throughout the review process.

— Paul ForrestTaskforce organiser Paul Forrest describing the outcome of the environmental assessment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by FBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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