‘Vuda is not a rubbish dump’: Opposition grows over waste project

“This cannot be allowed to happen at Vuda! Vuda is not a rubbish dump.”

Businessman Marc McElrath has voiced strong opposition to the proposed waste-to-energy facility at Vuda Point, as concerns grow among tourism operators and nearby communities.

A proposed $1.4billion waste-to-energy project in Vuda Point (Saweni), Fiji, spearheaded by Australian businessman Ian Malouf and The Next Generation Fiji Pte Ltd, is currently under review, sparking significant debate and opposition as of March 2026.

Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka said the tourism industry is also opposed to the development, proposed by The Next Generation Holdings (Fiji) Ltd under the TNG Fiji project.

Mr Gavoka said he was aware of the proposed facility and a private port planned for the area.

“We would ask that it be relocated because that area is earmarked for tourism development,” he said.

“Facilities like that in other countries are located away from businesses and densely populated areas. You would wish that it were located elsewhere.”

Mr Gavoka said the whole of Nadi Bay, from Saweni to Denarau, could be affected.

“Some of the hoteliers are not happy with the proposed project. That weighs heavily.”

Public concern has also been raised about access to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya on March 23 launched the EIA phase of the proposed 900,000-tonne-per-year development, which has drawn objections from Vuda and Saweni communities.

Four copies of the EIA report are available at designated locations, including the Vuda Marina Police Post. The report runs to more than 1500 pages across 35 volumes.

Concerns have been raised over access costs, with the Department of Environment charging $5 per page, totalling $7645 for a full copy.

Ms Tabuya said she takes responsibility for ensuring the process is transparent, accessible and responsive.

She acknowledged that access during standard government hours had been a challenge.

In response, the department has extended viewing hours, with the report now available daily until 11pm at First Landing Beach Resort and Villas.

“Additional access remains available at our offices in Suva, Lautoka and the Ba Provincial Office during normal working hours,” she said.

The 21-day public review period runs from March 23 to April 22, 2026.

“I strongly encourage all Fijians, particularly those near the proposed development, to review the report and provide written submissions,” Ms Tabuya said.

She said the $5 per page fee and access requirements are set out under the Environment Management (EIA Process) Regulations 2007.

However, she acknowledged the need for improvement.

“Our ministry has proposed amendments to make EIA reports more accessible, including more practical and modern ways for the public to access information. These are under review with the Solicitor-General’s Office,” she said.

“Transparency and public participation are at the heart of environmental decision-making. This is only the first stage of consultation, with a second phase to follow.”