‘Vuda must not become Pacific’s ashtray’ — Tarakinikini

Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations has raised serious concerns about the proposed $1.4 billion waste-to-energy incinerator at Vuda-Saweni, warning that the country must seek “better answers” before proceeding.

In a strongly worded statement, Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini questioned the environmental, health and long-term national implications of the project, which has already sparked public debate.

He said the proposal required “complete, honest, and scientifically grounded information — not marketing brochures dressed up as environmental assessments.”

The ambassador pointed to the project’s history in Australia, where a similar proposal was rejected after years of scrutiny.

“The project was ‘not in the public interest because there is uncertainty around the project’s impacts on air quality, water quality and human health,’” he noted.

He raised concerns about whether Fiji should accept a project that failed to meet environmental standards in a more developed regulatory system.

“If this project could not meet Australia’s environmental and health standards… why should Fiji… accept it?” he asked.

Mr Tarakinikini also warned of potential environmental and health risks, including emissions from large-scale waste burning and the long-term management of toxic ash.

He said the scale of the project — processing up to 900,000 tonnes of waste annually — far exceeded Fiji’s domestic waste output, raising concerns the country could become a regional dumping ground.

“This same Fiji would become the incinerator of the Pacific, processing the waste of nations with far greater means to manage their own refuse responsibly,” he said.

He also highlighted the cultural significance of the proposed site at Vuda Point, describing it as one of Fiji’s most important historical locations.

“Vuda is not just a location. It is who we are,” he said.

While acknowledging the need to address waste management challenges, Mr Tarakinikini said solutions must be sustainable and suited to Fiji’s context.

“I am not opposed to solving Fiji’s waste problem… but the solution must be calibrated to Fiji’s scale,” he said.

He called for an independent and transparent Environmental Impact Assessment process, supported by regional and international expertise, before any decision is made.

The proposed development has drawn mixed reactions, with ongoing consultations continuing as part of the approval process.