EIA process Compulsory for Relocation Projects: Director

Any community relocation project initiated must follow the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) protocol to ensure the safety and livability of residents at the new site.

Department of Environment acting director, Senimili Nakora was responding to queries from the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) divisional liaison officer, Imanueli Lekenaua.

Ms Nakora clarified an EIA study was undertaken before relocation happens.

Any community relocation project for the purpose to mitigate climate change impact, follows the EIA process.

“We ask the community or the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, or partner assisting Government in the project, to apply for an EIA, ” she said.

This will allow the department to ascertain the area of relocation is suitable or safe to withstand any climate extreme events.

“To also ensure any civil works does not create or endanger the community further, so, we apply the EIA process on certain aspects of the project.”

Mr Lekenaua said he understands there were some villagers on the verge of relocation and the impeding climate change issues was a cause for this.

He asked Ms Nakora, whether any study on the species of animals and plants were undertaken on the proposed land, to mitigate extinction.

The acting director said species check was important before a relocation was initiated.

“We have the Endangered Protection of Species (EPS) act to ensure adherence, where species and its habitant is assessed,” she said.

Story by: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj