About 100 residents of Lami gathered in a Public Hearing to verbally object on the proposed re-zoning of a residential site in Waibola, Wailekutu, to commercial heavy industrial and car park.
The development is the proposal made by Pacific Building Solutions to build their headquarters at the site.
During the hearing, many residents said that they are not against economic development however they are objecting the proposed re-zoning of a residential site.
Father Beni Kaloudau while representing 3,700 people said that they are custodians of the environment where they live in.
He urged the government to look effectively on this development.
11-year-old Sofia Morgan also raised her concern on the impacts of the development.
Pacific Building Solution’s Group Property Development Manager Mark Acraman said the company has been in operation for almost 20 years which is growing and the current site in Wailada Industrial Subdivision is not sufficient for their needs.
They employ about 800 people and the number is increasing.
Acraman said their plan is to create something that blends with the environment, pleasing to the eye and source of employment to the locals.
Meanwhile, the Local Government, Housing and Environment Ministry said that all processes with regards to the Pacific Building Solution’s application and development of the site is on hold and will await the outcome of the public hearing.
Another hearing will be held on Tuesday the 6th of November for remaining objectors.
