The Protect the Heritage Coast - Vuda-Saweni Taskforce has welcomed the news today that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has formally rejected the Environmental Impact Assessment plan submitted by TNG Fiji Ltd for the development of a 900,000-tonne waste to energy incinerator and deepwater port at Naikorokoro Point.
Organiser, Paul Forrest paid tribute to the leadership and integrity shown by Doctor Sivendra Michael, the permanent secretary of the Ministry, his staff and the Technical Review Committee who considered the more-than 1500 pages of EIA submissions from TNG Fiji.
He says for those who believe in Fiji and the potential of this country, this is a moment to hold onto and cherish and for that they thank Doctor Michael and the Ministry.
Forrest says the reasons for the rejection seem detailed and comprehensive, and span almost all the issues that they have been raising consistently about the unsuitability of this project concept since the Taskforce came into being in January.
He says they are going to allow themselves a quiet moment of celebration and then get back to work, to their various lives, to their friends and families, and loved ones and communities, that are the reason they put so much into this over the past six months.
The Taskforce also encourages the Ministry and local government stakeholders, and those aspiring for elected office in the upcoming general election, to address the ongoing household waste dysfunction in parts of Fiji, and especially the situation with the Vunato landfill.
It says what this process has done has started a national conversation that is long overdue.
Forrest paid tributes to those whose voices came together in opposition to TNG Fiji's plans.
More than 3000 signed petitions opposing the incinerator plant were delivered to the Department of Environment office in Lautoka in April, over 7,000 signed an official online petition and 875 emailed their opposition.
Forrest says taken together along with more than 2.5 million views on the Facebook page is a clear demonstration of the level of public support for protecting the Heritage Coast and opposition to the proposed incinerator development.
He adds saying no is not always easy in the cultural contexts in which we live.
Forrest says for some of us it's straightforward but for others it is taking a risk, so they acknowledge and pay tribute to the many small-scale instances of bravery that came together in such a resounding community rejection.
