The proposed waste-to-energy project in Vuda is currently at the Terms of Reference stage, and the public should not jump to conclusions, as the Government will follow the full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process before any decisions are made.
This was confirmed by the Permanent Secretary for Environment, Dr Sivendra Michael, in an interview with fijivillage News this morning.
Dr Michael explained that there is a formal process in place for the public to raise concerns or grievances, which includes public consultations conducted by the project developers themselves.
Insert Dr Michael on approval 27th Jan ML
He stressed that the Ministry has not yet received an EIA report and, as a result, cannot comment on the project at this stage.
Australian businessman Ian Malouf is working closely with the Government on plans to transform Fiji’s waste management system through the country’s first waste-to-energy power plant.
The proposed multi-million-dollar project, led by Malouf’s joint venture company, the Next Generation Holdings (Fiji) Pte Ltd, in partnership with local and international investors, is planned for Vuda in Lautoka.
If approved, the project is expected to reduce Fiji’s reliance on diesel fuel significantly and could save up to $250 million annually in imported fuel costs for power generation.
