Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica emphasized the importance of allowing sufficient time for consultations with natural resource owners before making any decisions about development projects. He made these comments during a media conference following a meeting with the Stewards Alliance on Resources (SAOR), which includes the Fiji Council of Churches, the Social Empowerment Education Program Ltd, and landowners from several locations including Navunikabi in Namosi, Laselase in Nasigatoka, Votua in Ba, Navitilevu in Ra, and Silana in Dawasamu.
Mr. Kamikamica acknowledged that there have been issues with lack of consultation in the past, particularly during the previous administration. He assured that the current government is committed to consulting on all matters.
“We will ensure that there will be further consultations regarding the projects discussed,” he stated, reflecting on the discussions he had with alliance members who raised concerns about various mining and hydro projects.
The Minister noted that the involvement of the iTaukei Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts Minister Ifereimi Vasu and the general manager of the TLTB fostered a constructive environment for dialogue. He acknowledged that many concerns expressed by landowners stemmed from past failures to consult effectively, and he reassured them that moving forward, proper consultation would be prioritized.
Mr. Kamikamica also mentioned that the complexity of development processes depends on the specific project and its requirements before advancing.
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