Government says Google ICT project followed all legal processes

The Government has defended the Google ICT Facility development at Natadola, saying all consultations, approvals and legal processes were properly followed as it moved to counter what it described as speculation and misinformation surrounding the project.

In a statement, the Government said it welcomed public interest in the development but wanted to set out the facts as debate over the project intensified.

Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel said the facility was one of the most significant digital infrastructure investments in Fiji's history.

"This facility will strengthen our country's digital connectivity, improve resilience, create employment and reinforce Fiji's position as a trusted destination for global technology investment. Fijians deserve to have this conversation based on facts, not speculation, and Government intends to make those facts available at every step."

The Government said consultations had been carried out with the Ministry of Lands, the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB), the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), Google and community representatives.

It said a joint consultation involving Google, FNPF and the Ministry of Lands was held with the Sanasana community in November 2024, where tribal leaders, elders and villagers were briefed on the project's scope.

Following the consultations, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on November 30, 2024, while traditional leaders were later invited to Lautoka to tour the specialist cable installation vessel and receive a technical briefing on the submarine cable works.

According to the Government, all approvals required to lay the submarine cable in Fiji's waters were issued by the relevant authorities in line with Fiji's legal and regulatory framework.

The Government said the ICT facility occupied a three-acre sublease on land belonging to Tokatoka Vunamocelolo and that consultation on the lease began in November 2023.

It said the sublease was between Staghorn Pte Ltd, a Google subsidiary, and NBRL, a subsidiary of FNPF. To date, about $117,872.37 had been paid to TLTB for distribution to landowners.

The statement said about 110 people, most from Sanasana Village and neighbouring communities in the Malomalo district, were currently employed on the project by Google's construction contractor, Pernix.

It also said Google and FNPF had committed to community projects, including a water supply project for Sanasana Village and a new marketplace for Sanasana and nearby communities.

Addressing issues raised publicly, the Government said no waiver of customary fishing rights was required for the project and no compensation relating to fishing rights was applicable.

It also said the development covered only a three-acre site and not the entirety of the Vanua o Nahoqo lands.

According to the Government, no formal concerns had been received from the Vanua o Nahoqo or Tokatoka Vunamocelolo regarding the project.

"Government respects the rights and voices of our landowners. Where genuine concerns arise through the proper channels, we remain committed to dialogue, transparency and ensuring that all legal processes are followed. What we will not do is allow a small number of loud but unsubstantiated claims on social media to override a process that has been consulted on, approved and delivered in accordance with the law."

Mr Immanuel said attracting international investment depended on maintaining both investor confidence and community trust.

"These are not competing objectives — they go hand in hand. We can protect the interests of our people while also creating opportunities that generate jobs, strengthen communities and position Fiji as a leader in the digital economy."

The Government said it remained committed to ensuring major investments delivered long-term benefits for landowners, surrounding communities and the country while respecting Fiji's laws, customary land tenure and the rights of indigenous landowners.