Vuda Waste‑to‑Energy site sits on State land: Lands Department

The Ministry of Lands has clarified that land proposed for the Next Generation Fiji waste‑to‑energy project in Vuda is state land held under special tourism leases.

Officials say any change in land use would require rezoning and approval through public consultation and an environmental impact assessment.

Department of Lands Western Division manager Uraia Rakaria made the clarification during a public consultation at Naikorokoro, Saweni, on Sunday evening.

He was responding to concerns raised by Tokatoka Wadigi landowner Inoke Tora, who questioned who had authorised the use of the land.

“What power do they have to take the land? What lease do they have?” Mr Tora asked.

Mr Rakaria said the entire proposed site sits on state land and is now under special tourism leases.

“The site proposed for the Next Generation Fiji project, it is all on State land. The company has sister companies that already hold leases and we have facilitated a transfer from one of those companies to TNG. The others are also in the pipeline,” he said.

Any change in land use will require a formal rezoning process, which has not yet begun because the project remains at a conceptual stage.

Mr Tora questioned why land designated for tourism could be used for waste-related development.

“I thought this land was for tourism, resorts and related businesses. If this is changed to waste, where will my future generations go?” Mr Tora said.

Mr Rakaria said rezoning would only be considered if the project progressed beyond its current stage.

“The existing leases are for special tourism use. If there are plans to consider an alternative use, then the rezoning process will take place. At the moment, we are still in the preliminary stage,” Mr Rakaria said.

Public consultations and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will inform whether the project proceeds.

Principal town planner (West) Aisake Raratabu said the EIA process can occur at different stages and may take various forms, including a full EIA or an environmental management plan.

“In this case, the EIA is being undertaken at the master plan stage to support stakeholder consultation and provide confidence to investors,” Mr Raratabu said.

The master plan is under review by the director of Town and Country Planning, pending completion of the EIA.

Once finalised, it will allow the investor to secure land and begin formal investment processes.

Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj