The Ministry of Environment will undertake legal actions against a developer who has been illegally carrying out land development in Lomolomo, Lautoka despite a Prohibition Notice since 2022.
This comes as concerns have been raised by residents in Lomolomo who say this has been going on for two years where her land has been severely affected due to heavy vehicles and the wash off from the development.
While speaking to fijivillage News, Geeta Gounder says her house is on a slope and the construction is causing soil erosion.
She also raised concerns about dust due to the heavy vehicles passing in front of her house and drainage issues when it rains.
While responding to questions by fijivillage News, Permanent Secretary for Environment, Sivendra Michael says the developer, on 21st March 2022 submitted an Environment Impact Assessment screening application to the Department to carry out land subdivision and residential developments in Lomolomo.
He says in the course of processing the EIA screening application, the Ministry received the complaint that the developer has commenced the works at the site.
Michael says an inspection was undertaken on 31st March 2022 to verify the complaint, and on 29th April 2022, the Director Environment issued the Prohibition Notice to the developer, to cease all development works at the site.
He says the EIA study, the public consultation process and every other study required in the approved Terms of Reference dated 1st August 2022 was not undertaken by the developer. The Permanent Secretary confirms the Department conducted another inspection on Tuesday where it was also brought to their attention that the lots have been sold by the developer.
He says this was undertaken without an EIA approval and a completion certification in place; this is not permissible under the Environment Management Act 2005.
Micheal says the Ministry will work with approving authorities to ensure that all future developments adhere to environmental regulations and to ensure developments are closely monitored for compliance purposes.
He says in relation to the repeated breaches by this developer, the Ministry will institute legal actions as unauthorized developments will not be tolerated.
Meawhile, Gounder says she needs to be compensation for the damages to her property or at the very least repair the damages.
She says she has started legal processes.
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