Deputy Speaker and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua has publicly broken ranks with her party over the controversial Vuda-Saweni waste-to-energy proposal, declaring on social media that she opposes the project “at the cost of my job” and urging Fiji not to become a dumping ground for hazardous waste. Her comments, posted late last night, specifically cited Fiji’s obligations under the Waigani Convention as a basis for her opposition.
The intervention adds a new and politically sensitive dimension to a debate that has already generated significant public concern. National Federation Party leader and Finance Minister Biman Prasad moved quickly to clarify the official position, stressing that the Government has not given formal approval for the project. “The Government has not given formal approval as clearly stated by the Honourable Prime Minister,” Prof Prasad told The Fiji Times, underscoring that key administrative steps remain outstanding.
Prasad said both the Minister for Lands and the Minister for Environment have confirmed that established procedures — notably an Environmental Impact Assessment and proper handling of land acquisition matters — will be followed. He warned against assuming the project will automatically proceed, calling it “inappropriate” to treat the proposal as a foregone conclusion and reiterating that consultations and due process are essential.
While acknowledging that MPs have the right to voice personal views, Prasad emphasised that members of a governing party must also respect internal processes and protocols. He described the party’s approach as measured, and welcomed public engagement, saying consultations have produced “really good analysis” and helpful feedback from stakeholders. He also clarified that references to the Waigani Convention relate specifically to hazardous and nuclear waste.
The latest exchanges come amid ongoing public debate over the proposed waste-to-energy facility at Vuda-Saweni, where environmental groups, community representatives and other stakeholders have raised questions about potential pollution, governance transparency and long-term impacts. Qereqeretabua’s hardline stance is notable because she serves in senior parliamentary and ministerial roles, making her open opposition a potentially consequential sign of internal dissent within the governing coalition.
For now, the immediate practical outcome is unchanged: no formal government approval has been issued and statutory processes — particularly the EIA and land acquisition protocols — remain the next formal steps. What has shifted is the political calculus. Qereqeretabua’s public declaration that she would risk her position signals heightened tensions around the proposal and increases pressure on ministers to demonstrate that environmental safeguards and legal requirements are being rigorously observed.
This development matters because it reframes the Vuda-Saweni discussion from technical assessments and consultations to a visible test of party unity and political accountability. The situation will be watched closely as the EIA process and further public consultations unfold, and as the Government seeks to balance development aims with the environmental and legal concerns highlighted by both the deputy speaker and community stakeholders.