Pacific Cement Pte Limited in Lami has proposed a $35 million upgrade and modernisation project that it says is expected to be more environmentally responsible, and includes a new cement mill, two new silos and a packing plant, however, residents have made their concerns known regarding environmental concerns.
While speaking to fijivillage News following their first Environment Impact Assessment public consultation at the Lami Parish Hall, Pacific Cement CEO Josua Satavu says the modern mill is expected to be environmentally friendly, so that could mitigate many of the concerns the community has raised in the past.
He says tentatively, they are looking at October 2027 for the commissioning of the mill.
While responding to questions on whether residents will continue to face issues around clinker dust, water quality and other environment concerns until the commissioning, Satavu says they will mitigate what they can as they are mindful of their environmental footprint, but the mill upgrade will definitely significantly improve many of the concerns raised.
Lami resident Peter Watts says no one should oppose improvements, adding that while the proposed development may be about 30 years too late, it is important to move forward with the right solutions and get it right.
INSERT: Watts on damage done 9 jul
He is urging the company to get it right because as residents and as local landowners, they need it to be right.
@fijivillage.com Lami resident Peter Watts says while the proposed development may be 30 years too late, the company must ensure it gets the improvements right for residents, landowners and the surrounding marine environment. In response, Satavu says the Department of Environment has required a full EIA due to the sensitivity of the area and concerns raised over the years.
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In response, Satavu says the development is taking place at an existing site which does not require a full EIA, but the Department of Environment has still required a full EIA due to the sensitivity of the area and concerns raised over the years.
He says this shows the level of assurance the Department of Environment has required from them.
Responding to questions from Tamavua-i-Ra resident Laiakini Waqanisau on whether the alkaline water is safe for swimming as he regularly swims in the area with his children; the mill’s storage capacity and whether runoff sediment reaches beyond the reef, project EIA consultant Dr Paulo Vanualailai says further assessments are still needed to quantify runoff, rainfall, watershed conditions and the amount of water entering the site before an appropriate drainage system can be designed.
Vanualailai says clearer details are expected at the next public review meeting after the final report is submitted.
On storage capacity, Satavu says the proposed mill is being designed for future production capacity of 1,000 tonnes and does not mean it will immediately operate at maximum output, while the new silos will remain active as cement is produced and sold and are expected to be more environmentally friendly.
Uduya Road resident, Ulamila Bulamaibau is also calling for stronger community involvement in the EIA process and regular communication with residents, rather than waiting for public meetings or concerns to be raised on social media.
The resident also raised concerns about traffic congestion, existing water and power supply issues, the impact of increased production on these services, and clinker dust escaping from trucks during transportation.
She is urging the company and the EIA team to address these concerns as part of the proposed development and ensure residents are kept informed throughout the process.
Satavu has assured residents that this is their first public consultation and that another session will be held, where they will ensure the questionnaire reaches more members of the community.
While responding to a question on traffic management during construction and after the commissioning, Dr Vanualailai says the Traffic Impact Assessment was not part of the Terms of Reference.
He also explained that from their initial questionnaire for the residents, about 76.6 percent agreed with the development, 26 percent disagreed while 7 percent were not sure.
Meanwhile, Department of Environment representative Ruben Tokona says the development will not proceed unless all required plans are approved and conditions are met.
He says environmental monitoring committees may include members of the public, while Energy Fiji Limited and the Water Authority of Fiji will be consulted to determine whether the existing infrastructure can support the development.
Tokona adds that its compliance unit will monitor the project after the EIA process to ensure the developer follows all required recommendations and mitigation measures.
