Landowners tell PM: We’re getting peanuts from Monasavu, we plan to build our own dam

A Nadarivatu landowner has told Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka they plan to build their own hydroelectric dam — saying they receive “peanuts” in compensation from the Monasavu and Nadarivatu dam projects.

Speaking during the Meet the Press Town hall meeting in Ba last night, landowner representative Pauliasi Matawalu said they were tired of small payouts while their land continued to power the nation.

“We have land given to Monasavu — about a thousand acres — and also the Nadarivatu dam, and we are getting peanuts from there,” Mr Matawalu said.
“We’ve also had enough of EFL. That’s why we want to build a dam ourselves. We’ve done all our paperwork, we’re just requesting support from Government.”

In response, Prime Minister Rabuka encouraged the group to formally submit their proposal, saying Government was open to public-private partnerships for renewable energy projects.

“All you have to do is draw up a proposal with all the technical details and bring it to Government,” Mr Rabuka said.
“We will look at ways to go into cooperation with you. We are encouraging partnerships like the one with the ASPEN hospital. But that’s exactly what Government is looking for now — making the switch from fuel energy to renewable sources.”