Follow the law, Tabuya tells foreign investors

Foreign investors interested in Fiji’s waste sector have been put on notice: they are welcome, but must follow the law.

Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya issued the reminder yesterday as a decision on the controversial proposed $1.4 billion waste-to-energy incinerator at Vuda-Saweni draws closer. The technical review committee is expected to convene next week.

“We are open to investors who want to come in, but it must be done according to the law. It must be done properly, and of course we must consult our people,” Ms Tabuya said.

Her comments follow expressions of interest from foreign companies received by the ministry after widespread public attention on the Vuda-Saweni proposal — a project that would burn rubbish to generate electricity.

The Department of Environment received more than 3,000 written petitions opposing the project, along with 207 formal submissions before Tuesday’s deadline. However, Ms Tabuya noted there was also some support.

“We need to look at that holistically,” she said.

The technical review committee, which includes independent experts, will now assess all submissions and consultation outcomes. A formal decision by the Director of Environment is expected after the review.

Ms Tabuya acknowledged that Fiji’s waste situation has reached crisis point, particularly in informal settlements and villages lacking proper disposal systems.

“It is actually a crisis now,” she said, adding that all solutions — including waste-to-energy — must be evidence-based.