Bua landowners accuse developer of illegal practices

Leader of the landowning unit, Wainunu District Mata Yau Bula Committee in Bua Province, Lisala Ranamosa, claims that a developer has degraded their environment through illegal practices.

The developer, Xinfa Group Aurum Exploration, is alleged to have used banned replanting chemicals and engaged in over-planting during the rehabilitation process. The landowning committee met with the developer and Ministry of Forestry officials at Macuata House in Labasa today.

Mr Ranamosa revealed that the developer was supposed to rehabilitate only 110,000 eucalyptus plants on 558 acres of land at the Nabale site in Bua. However, the number planted exceeded one million.

He further claimed the over-planting extended beyond the designated area, encroaching on the boundaries of four clans. The committee also alleged that the developer used banned chemicals during the replanting process.

The name of the chemical was not clearly explained, as it was written in Chinese, but it is believed to contain harmful components that could affect soil fertility. Villagers collected packages of the alleged chemical from the rehabilitation site and presented them to ministry officials.

“We want the ministry to assess whether this chemical is safe or not,” Mr Ranamosa said.

He also claimed that the chemical had destroyed seaweed. He described it as a powdered substance, mixed with water and used to plant eucalyptus trees after the roots were dipped in the mixture before planting.

“We have been raising this concern for about a year now,” he added.

The issue of over-planting came to light when the Native Land Commission (NLC) conducted a survey, which highlighted the irregularity.

Xinfa Group manager, Ronald Singh, defended the company against the allegations, saying the chemical used was not banned.

“If this chemical had a component of paraquat, it would not have been allowed into the country, and authorities would have taken action against the company,” he reiterated.

He conceded that the over-planting issue could be addressed through further discussions with relevant stakeholders, including the landowners.

Mr Ranamosa highlighted that no consultation was conducted with landowners when the developer engaged in development and replanting process. 

"As far as I know, from the time they started planting, I have not been part of any consultation process in Wainunu," he said.

Acting Divisional Forestry Officer (DFO) Northern, Uraia Racule, acknowledged the patience of the landowners to convene in a meeting to address the issues. Mr Racule assured they would look into the issues raised. 

"We will be meeting again soon to see how best we can address the issue. I have also sought forgiveness from the landowners as we had failed to conduct consultations".

He added consultations should be conducted before a development is undertaken.