Chiefs Purse Legal Action, Pacific Energy Complies With Law

Twenty-eight tribal leaders (Turaga ni Yavusa) of Wailevu district, Savusavu will pursue legal action in regards a dispute with the Pacific Energy (South West Pacific) Pte Limited.

They will convene in Wailevu Village on February 27 to decide and finalise what action to take.

These chiefs hold customary rights to Balaga Bay in Savusavu where Pacific Energy has been operating.

The Wailevu clan, the iqoliqoli (fishing ground) owners, have been protesting to Pacific Energy management about improper petroleum discharge and tanker berthing since 2019.

The landowners claimed that Pacific Energy violated their rights, committed illegal conduct, and ignored all of their objections.

A meeting was held at Wailevu Village last Thursday at the request of the Acting Commissioner for the iTaukei Lands and Fisheries Commission (TLFC), Kelepi Curuki.

There were no Pacific Energy representatives.

“What we have heard from them is they are even opting to withdraw their service here,” Mr Curuki said.

“Please have a common agreement among yourself, when you make a decision, think about the entire Vanua Levu, and think about Taveuni also.”

Pacific Energy’s main oil terminal in the Northern Division is at Balaga Bay, and any decisions made here that would provoke Pacific Energy service withdrawal will affect the oil supply in the Northern Division.

In this heated meeting, Tui Wailevu Ratu Joseva Maivalili stressed that all Turaga ni Yavusa need to understand that the matter in discussion was important because most villages nearby use the bay as their iqoliqoli.

“They don’t lease it, Pacific Energy needs to compensate the vanua for everything when doing business there,” Ratu Joseva said.

“They make a profit off our iqoliqoli while the people look on.”

In previous years, landowners have actually protested and stopped Pacific Energy vessels from berthing at Balaga Bay.

“I urge Pacific Energy to please follow all the due process. Compensate the vanua if you have to,” he said.

Pacific Energy

A media release on Wednesday said that the company executed its service within the ambits of the law.

“After discussion with all relevant authorities, TLFC and Native Lands Commission (NCL) decided to carry out an awareness meeting with the iQoliqoli owners first, Pacific Energy not being invited to participate at this stage,” the release said.

“The Balaga Bay terminal is critical in ensuring the supply of fuel to Vanua Levu.”

“Pacific Energy remains committed to serving the people of Fiji in full compliance with the laws.”

Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj