The Western Division District Councils of Social Services representing Nadroga, Navosa, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua, and Ra — who are affiliates of the Fiji Council of Social Services — have collectively rejected the proposed waste to energy project in Vuda, and called on the government not to allow this proposed project to go ahead.
In their submission, they say they wish to formally express their profound communal concern regarding the proposed business venture intended to import waste to fuel a waste-to-energy plant.
The submission is made by Mosese Baseisei the Chairperson of Lautoka DCOSS, Julekha Mustapha Chairperson of Nadi DCOSS, Amelia Kidi Chairperson of Nadroga/Navosa DCOSS, Malakai Vukivanua Chairperson of Ba DCOSS, and the Chairpersons of Ra and Tavua DCOSS.
The DCOSS view this as a purely capitalistic approach that fails to align with Fiji’s spiritual, moral, and vanua values — specifically the principles of vakarokoroko (respect), veidokai (deference), veivakaliuci (prioritizing others), veiqaraqaravi (service), veidolei (reciprocity), veiwekani (kinship), and veivakaturagataki (acting with noble grace).
They say given the massive scale of this waste management development, a thorough community consultation should have been the primary step taken in the spirit of respect and deference.
The Western Division District Councils of Social Services says these values dictate that one must first respect the people and the traditional owners of the land: the Vanua of Vuda and its tributary tribes across the five villages, beginning with the chiefly village of Viseisei, followed by Lauwaki, Lomolomo, Abaca, and Namara in Waya Sewa.
They say the fact that discussions have occurred only at the governmental and entrepreneurial levels is viewed as the highest form of disrespect toward the landowners.
They add that the proposed site for this facility sits upon a revered landmark for the people of Vuda, specifically the Yavusa Koi Vuda of Lauwaki, their leader Vibulou na Taukei Navitarutaru, and the clan of Wadigi.
Furthermore, they say this area is a vibrant residential and educational hub - it is located just kilometres from premier tourist destinations — including Tivua, Beachcomber, Treasure, Vomo, and South Sea Islands — and is the site where Fiji Rugby intends to develop an international stadium.
They say it is also home to the University of Fiji and numerous primary and secondary schools.
The DCOSS reminds the government that only dead wood is trampled upon and they are not dead wood.
They say if this project proceeds unchecked, the ramifications for the environment and the residents of Vuda will be dire.
The DCOSS recommends that the government immediately implement free, prior, and informed consent.
They add that formal consultations must be held with the vanua and all residents of Vuda.
The DCOSS says given the magnitude of this project, all stakeholders must be engaged, including Tourism Fiji, the Fiji Rugby Union, the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, the Ministry of Women, the University of Fiji, and FCOSS.
The DCOSS asserts that this project poses a direct threat to our collective health, our homes, the Western tourism corridor, our natural environment, and the inheritance of future generations.
They demand that all stakeholders and affected individuals be granted the time, transparency, and full community engagement necessary before any final decisions are made.
They also say that they stand firm in their conviction that development must never come at the expense of our cultural sanctity, our environmental health, or the voices of our people.
