Namosi Hydro Dam Uproar: 'We Don't Want It'

'We say no to a hydro dam.'

These were the words that ech­oed through Navunikabi Village, Namosi on Saturday as villagers staged a peaceful protest calling on authorities behind the pro­posed EFL hydro dam to not go ahead with the project.

Close to 100 villagers of Navuni­kabi, young and old, gathered near the proposed site of the hydro dam to protest with banners and plac­ards on Saturday.

The villagers say while they were not against development, they were against the way they were consulted and how their views on the project have been portrayed.

The proposed $200 million hy­dro project is for three sites Wainikoroiluva, Wainikovu and Waivaka for both the Namosi and Naitasiri provinces.

The project is believed to be spearheaded by Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua.

In a Facebook post on April 23, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka referred to Ratu Suliano being instrumental in the new devel­opment of the search for a new source for renewable energy from inland Namosi.

A series of consultations have taken place in the village among villagers, Government, the chiefly household, and landowners but villagers are steadfast in their move to oppose the project.

Relocating the villages of Navunikabi has also been suggested.

Lomani Au Maroroi Au (LAMA) group member Simione Mekemeke, of Navunikabi Village expressed the concerns shared among villagers.

While some villagers support the hydro development, Mr Mekemeke noted that a majority opposing were fearing that the rising waters could flood their homes.

“Our forefathers are buried here, and we have built our lives in this village. Relocation is not an option for us,” Mr Mekemeke said.

Mr Mekemeke criticised the way the project was communicated to villagers, revealing that initial studies were conducted without proper consultation.

“They came, conducted their research, and only later informed us of their plans to construct a dam,” he explained.

Villagers are worried about the potential environmental impacts of the hydro project on local businesses, particularly the Namosi Eco Retreat, which may be adversely affected.

“Building a massive hydro dam here would spoil what we already have,” he warned.

“We will keep fighting. They cannot simply come in and propose to relocate us. That is not happening.”

LAMA

Sipiriano Nariva, LAMA chairman of the landowners committee said, “We are here to say no to hydro.”

LAMA is a committee that covers many clans in the district of Wainikoroiluva, Namosi, and Waidina in Naitasiri.

Also, LAMA is to work closely with Government to hear the concerns of the landowners before any developments take place.

“The bottom line of what we want is - no to hydro. We want to tell Government and everyone who is behind this proposed hydro to please leave us alone,” he said.

Mr Nariva is urging Government and relevant stakeholders to reconsider and respect the wishes of the landowners and villagers who fear the potential negative impact on their land and livelihoods.

Villagers

Sabeta Seniqumu, 72, of Navunikabi Village, has expressed deep concerns over the proposed relocation of her village to make way to the construction of hydro dams in Wainikoroiluva.

Ms Seniqumu emphasised the importance of preserving the village’s culture, farming practices, ancestral land, and historical sites.

She said that despite the directive from their chief regarding relocation, the villagers were resistant to the idea, valuing the heritage their forefathers established.

She voiced strong opposition to the proposed hydro project and relocation, fearing the uncertainty of what their lives would be like if they were forced to move.

With emotions running high, she and other villagers plan to continue protesting in the hope that Government will acknowledge their pleas and allow them remain in their village.

Mareta Nayadi, 60, said she has lived, raised, and married in the same village; the community thrives by making use of natural resources around them.

“We rely heavily on farming and land to earn a living, support our children’s education, build our homes, church, and village hall,” Ms Nayadi said.

For her, the land and rivers provide everything they need, and she questions the necessity of the dams, especially since they already have access to electricity.

Makitalena Nayara, 79, echoed similar sentiments stating that she totally objected the decision.

Namosi Provincial Council

Namosi Provincial Council chair Ratu Iowane Matanitobua said the project was still in the feasibility study stage.

“There has not been any plan yet on the dam. They are still collecting data before it would be presented to the villagers again,” Ratu Iowane said.

Attempts to reach Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua for comments last night were unsuccessful. Similarly, efforts to contact EFL CEO Hasmukh Patel for a response were unsuccessful, as he is currently overseas.

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