While we are trying to solve issues relating to the waste management system, it will also raise issues about the protection of communities as well.
Minister for Environment, Lynda Tabuya has made the comments while speaking on the proposed waste energy project in Vuda during the 2 day Continuing Legal Education Program Towards Resilient Blue Carbon Ecosystems.
Tabuya stresses the government has to strike that balance, but she asks the lawyers on where do they come in to deal with this, and what are their thoughts around this as it is very topical right now.
She says they will see advocacy groups being formed to do this well.
Tabuya says as a ministry, they have processes in place regarding the environmental impact assessment but these are issues that will continue to come up as they try to deal with the waste management issue.
She adds it is important that they hear all voices on this - our traditional communities, our coastal communities around there as well as the resource owners.
Tabuya says right now it's the residents of Vuda that are raising their voices.
She asks what about other voices as well as this is something government needs to hear as they consider this proposal.
She echoed the importance of inclusive dialogue, highlighting the need to hear from coastal communities, traditional resource owners and other stakeholders whose livelihoods may be affected.
Tabuya also acknowledges the concerns raised by members of the public regarding access to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the proposed Waste to Energy Facility and Private Port at Vuda Point.
Tabuya says as Minister, she takes responsibility for ensuring that their processes are transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the people.
She says recognises that access during standard government hours has been a challenge for many.
Tabuya says in response, the Department of Environment has extended viewing access by making the EIA Report available at First Landing Beach Resort and Villas, with access now available daily until 11pm.
She says additional access remains available at their offices in Suva, Lautoka and the Ba Provincial Office during normal working hours.
The Minister says the 21-day public review period, from 23rd March to 22nd April this year, is an important first step in the EIA process.
She strongly encourages all Fijians, particularly those located in close proximity to the proposed development, to take this opportunity to review the report and provide their written submissions.
Tabuya clarifies that the Environment Management (EIA Process) Regulations 2007 prescribes current requirements for physical access to EIA reports, including the 21-day period, as well as the fee of $5 per page.
She says these are legal provisions that the Department is required to follow.
However, she acknowledges that access to information is a constitutional right, and that their systems must reflect this.
Tabuya says that is why their ministry has proposed amendments of the current regulations to make EIA reports more accessible, including more practical and modern ways for the public to access information.
These proposed amendments are currently under review with the Solicitor General’s office.
As concerned citizens continue to raise issues regarding the Australian company TNG's proposed Waste-to-Energy incinerator in Saweni, Vuda, the Department of Environment has now reaffirmed that this is only the first stage of public participation.
The Department says the second stage will involve formal public consultation sessions designed to capture the broadest possible range of community views, concerns, and recommendations.
A formal public notice will be published once consultation dates, times and venues have been confirmed.
The Department of Environment apologises for the inconvenience caused regarding access to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the proposed Waste to Energy Facility and Private Port to be situated at Vuda Point by The Next Generation Holding (PTE) Limited.
They say they have heard clearly from members of the public that access during standard government hours has been challenging, particularly for those who are only available outside the 8.00am to 4.00pm window.
To support the public and ensure wider accessibility, the Department has placed the EIA Report at First Landing Beach Resort & Villas, accessible from today, with viewing permitted from Monday to Sunday until 11.00pm.
They say this arrangement was made specifically to provide extended access, and the Department apologises for any earlier inconvenience faced by the public.
The Department reaffirms that the 21-day public review period, from 23rd March to 22nd April 2026, is the first formal stage of public engagement under the EIA process.
Members of the public are invited to review the report and provide written submissions by 22nd April 2026 within the prescribed public consultation period.
The report is available for public inspection at designated locations, free of charge, including extended access arrangements at First Landing Beach Resort & Villas and the Vuda Marina Police Post.
Viewing will also be facilitated at the Department of Environment Headquarters in Suva, the Department of Environment Lautoka Office, and the Ba Provincial Office at Rogorogivuda House in Lautoka during government hours from Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.00pm.
The Department says any unauthorized reproduction or distribution outside this process undermines the integrity of the EIA process and is not permitted.
The Department also acknowledges the public’s request for the EIA Report in digital form.
However, access to the environmental register, including EIA Reports, is governed by the Environment Management (EIA Process) Regulations 2007, which the Department is legally required to comply with.
Under Regulation 41(2)(e) and 41(4), the environmental register must be made available for inspection and copying during normal office hours on payment of the prescribed fee.
The Department says unless amendments to the law are made, the Department cannot distribute digital copies as it would expose the Department to legal challenge and undermine the integrity of the regulatory process.
The Department is aware that the proponent has indicated its intention to make the EIA Report available through its own social media channels at its discretion.
The Department clarifies that this decision is undertaken independently by the proponent and does not form part of the formal EIA review process administered by the Department.
They recognize that the current EIA Regulations, introduced in 2007, require modernization.
Amendments to the regulatory framework are currently underway.
Meanwhile the group of concerned citizens known as Protect the Heritage Coast - Vuda, Saweni is now gathering signatures for a petition to stop this proposed set up from going ahead.
The growing number of concerned citizens say in order to run the 80Mw incinerator they need to burn 900,000 tonnes of waste.
They say Fiji has only 200,000 tonnes of non recycled wet waste and even if it all could be burned, 700,000 tonnes of waste will have to be imported.
According to the Australian company, the proposed integrated Energy-from-Waste and Industrial Precinct at Vuda Point, will transform waste into clean energy for Fiji's sustainable future.
The daily capacity will be 2,700 tonnes of waste, and annual processing will be 900,000 tonnes.
The power output expected from the waste is 80MW
The site area will be 85 hectares and the total investment is FJ$1.4 billion.
It also says the proposed Energy-from-Waste plant anchors a broader industrial Estate designed for long-term growth and diversification.
The co-located industries to benefit from reliable power, steam, and strategic port access include data centres and digital infrastructure, desalination and water treatment, agro-processing and food manufacturing and green manufacturing facilities.
They say the environmental standards will meet strict EU emissions standards with advanced pollution control systems and continuous monitoring for environmental protection.
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