Naicovi residents sound alarm over foreshore development

Residents of Naicovi in Sigatoka, Fiji, are voicing strong concerns over a foreshore development they believe is illegally encroaching on their traditional fishing grounds. This marks the second time the same developer has allegedly returned to the area, following an initial development in 2018 that also reportedly occurred without consultation.

Community members claim that a house and seawall were constructed on their ancestral fishing grounds during the previous development. They now allege that similar activities have resumed, leading to the removal of mangroves and the burial of development-related rubbish on the site. Ratu Mosese Volavola, a local resident, expressed dismay, stating the development has destroyed a vital fishing ground and marine nursery habitat. "How would you feel if someone came and dumped rubbish in your house? You would feel bad. They put the rubbish in your house, just like our qoliqoli," he said, comparing the destruction of their fishing grounds to having rubbish dumped in their homes.

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First of all, it will stop bringing the fish because all the mangroves and everything, they have taken it out, and the place where the fish used to come and feed. How would you feel if someone came and dumped rubbish in your house? You would feel bad. They put the rubbish in your house, just like our qoliqoli.

Further complicating the situation, Mataqali spokesperson Pauliasi Gavidi stated that the Environment Department had instructed the developer to clear the area the previous week, but this action has not been taken. Gavidi reported that instead of clearing the rubbish, sand was simply placed on top of it. "So the rubbish is still down there," he added. Residents, including Faiyaz, who presented email correspondence from 2018 to the Environment Department about the earlier development, are now demanding that authorities investigate the current project's approvals and address their environmental grievances. Questions have been submitted to the Environment Ministry for clarification.

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I did call, I had a follow-up with the Ministry of Environment and let them know. They didn’t clear up the rubbish; the only thing they did was put sand on top of that rubbish. So the rubbish is still down there.