The people of Tikina Nasigatoka are objecting to the proposed iron-sands mining project in Sigatoka.
Tikina Nasigatoka spokesperson Joeli Kunaturaga says this is the third time they have objected to the proposed project.
He says they first objected in 2018 and again last year, when they raised their concerns with the late former Minister for Agriculture, Vatimi Rayalu.
Kunaturaga says they also raised their objections with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, Minister for Lands Filimoni Vosarogo and Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu earlier this year.
He adds that they have not received any feedback from the government regarding their concerns.
He further adds that after 15 months, the government presented the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, but he is concerned that they were neither informed nor consulted on the matter.
The spokesperson says they do not want dredging or mining on their land because they are concerned about future generations.
Kunaturaga says they made their position clear to the government in 2024 that they do not want any mining or dredging on their land and do not agree to the waiver of their fishing rights.
He is also calling on the people of Nadroga/Navosa Province to support their objections for the betterment of the province.
Meanwhile, the deadline for submissions to the Department of Environment for the proposed Special Prospecting License 1495, Kulukulu Sand, Sigatoka Iron-sands project by Magma Mines Pte Limited is October 30th.
