Minister of Rural Development, Sakiasi Ditoka says the government's stand has not changed and they are very respectful of the Vanua of Namosi and the hierarchy and the decision that the Vanua makes is what they will be supporting in relation to the proposed Namosi Hydro Scheme.
Ditoka says it is interesting how the ongoing discussions between the landowners of Navunikabi and the Turaga na Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua are unfolding and they have no say in that matter.
He adds when the Tui Namosi speaks, it signifies that the Vanua is speaking.
The Navunikabi villagers disagree with the planned Namosi Hydro Dam project on their land.
The organisation known as Lomani Au Maroroi Au says on the 19th of July 2024, they wrote to the Namosi Provincial Council and the Commissioner Central that the village refuses to give access for the conduct of the feasibility studies on their land.
The organisation Chairperson, Sipiriano Nariva says there was no reply to the correspondence from them nor further consultation by the government but instead, there was a notification by the Namosi Provincial Council of works on the very same day and EFL commenced with the aerial survey.
There are also claims by the villagers that they saw some Namosi Provincial Council staff allegedly getting $100 bills from an Australian organisation after the hydro dam meeting in Navunikabi. They say this is a clear sign of disrespect and suppressive actions by the government.
The organisation also highlighted that two weeks ago, the Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua visited their village and relayed that they will need to be prepared for relocation as the Hydro Dam Project will go ahead as it is intended for the Waisoi Mine.
When contacted, Commissioner Central Josefa Navuku says they have made it clear to the villagers that when civil servants are out on the field they are entitled to a meal allowance.
Roko Tui Namosi, Paula Delaivuna says the only money that was given was their meal allowance and it was not $100.
When we contacted the Australian High Commission in Fiji, they said that the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific is supporting a Namosi Hydro Power feasibility study at the request of EFL and the Fiji Government.
They say when services to support the feasibility study are provided locally, they are paid for and receipted, and at times, this would include cash payments.
The High Commission states that Australia has a zero-tolerance approach to fraud or corruption.
They add that any allegations of improper conduct should be referred to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for action.
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