The Department of Environment has imposed a stop work order on the developers of the Great Han Residential Development located on Princess Road in Suva.
This decision comes after the department became aware on September 5 that the Suva City Council had lifted a previous stop work order on the project. As a result, the Department of Environment undertook its own investigations and consultations with involved parties to assess if this lifting aligned with its policies.
The department noted that it was found that Great Han had not adhered to the requirements stipulated by the Suva City Council. According to the council’s decision, Great Han could only proceed with the development if the Department of Environment’s requirements were fulfilled following a prior decline decision.
Consequently, the Department of Environment officially issued a stop work order on September 24, citing Section 43 of the Environment Management Act 2005.
The concerns regarding the Great Han Residential Development date back to 2015, when local residents expressed their discontent over the project. Over the years, residents have reiterated their objections, especially during a consultation last October, where they raised issues including the alleged lack of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). In response to their grievances, local residents formed the Tamavua Action Group to collectively address the situation.
When approached for comment, a spokesperson for the Great Han Residential Development stated that they were unable to discuss the stop work order and indicated that any response from the directors would be provided in the form of an official statement.