TNG Fiji 'disappointed' by Vuda project rejection

The company behind the proposed Vuda Point Energy-from-Waste Plant has expressed disappointment after the Department of Environment rejected its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), bringing the multi-million-dollar project to a halt unless successfully challenged through an appeal.

In a statement issued yesterday, The Next Generation Holdings (Fiji) Pte Limited (TNG) said it was reviewing the decision and considering its next steps.

“TNG Fiji is disappointed by the decision,” a company spokesperson said.

“World-leading energy-from-waste facilities are a vital part of the global transition to clean, reliable baseload power and a proven way to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.”

The company acknowledged the decision by the Director of Environment to reject the EIA for the proposed Energy-from-Waste Plant and Private Port Facility at Vuda Point.

“The company is carefully reviewing the decision and will advise on its next steps in due course.”

The rejection follows a technical assessment by the Department of Environment, which found a number of issues remained unresolved, including concerns relating to the project's scale, waste supply, public health risks, environmental impacts, infrastructure requirements, tourism implications and overall economic viability.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said he respected the decision reached through the environmental assessment process.

“Today, the Department of Environment issued its decision to reject the Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the proposed Energy-from-Waste Plant and Private Port Facility at Vuda Point.

“I respect the decision of the Department and the technical process that has informed it.”

Mr Rabuka said the proposal had attracted significant public attention because of its potential impact on communities, livelihoods and the environment.

“This matter has attracted strong public interest, and rightly so. It concerns our environment, public health, communities, livelihoods, culture, and the future development of an important part of Fiji.”

He said Fiji's environmental laws existed to ensure major developments were carefully scrutinised before approval.

“Our environmental laws exist for a purpose. They ensure that major developments are tested carefully, transparently and on the evidence. They protect communities, they protect responsible investors, and they protect the public interest.”

The Prime Minister stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as opposition to investment or innovation.

“This decision should not be seen as a rejection of investment, innovation or new solutions to Fiji's waste-management challenges. Those challenges remain real, and Government remains committed to addressing them in a practical and sustainable way.

“But every proposal, regardless of its size or investment value, must meet the standards required by law. It must demonstrate that its environmental, social, cultural, health and economic impacts are properly understood and can be properly managed.”

Mr Rabuka acknowledged the work of the Ministry of Environment, the Department of Environment, the Technical Review Committee and other officials involved in the assessment process.

He also thanked the traditional landowners of Vuda, residents of Vuda and Saweni, government agencies, civil society organisations, technical experts, businesses and members of the public who participated in consultations.

“The strength of good governance lies in allowing institutions to do their work, respecting the law, and making decisions in the public interest.”

The Ministry of Environment has confirmed that TNG's only avenue to challenge the decision is through an appeal to the Environmental Tribunal. The company has until July 3 to lodge an appeal.