Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya has moved to broaden public access to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed Vuda Waste to Energy project, confirming new evening viewing hours and outlining how the 21-day review will proceed. Tabuya told reporters the EIA report will now be available for inspection daily until 11:00pm at First Landing Beach Resort and Villas in Vuda, in addition to copies at designated offices in Suva, Lautoka and Ba during normal working hours.
The formal 21-day public review period runs from 23 March to 22 April 2026. Members of the public are being encouraged to examine the report during that window and submit written feedback to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Tabuya said the extended hours were introduced in response to concerns that existing viewing arrangements were too restrictive for many residents and workers in the western division.
Tabuya reiterated that current regulations require physical access to the EIA documents and that a fee of $5 per page applies under the existing rules. She acknowledged that the fee and the requirement to view only physical copies have been raised as barriers to meaningful public participation and said proposed amendments to improve accessibility are currently under review within the ministry.
The minister framed the adjustments as part of a wider push for transparency and community engagement around major infrastructure projects. “Public participation and transparency remain key,” Tabuya said, adding that the ministry will hold further consultations after the initial 21-day period to ensure that submissions are considered and that stakeholders have continued opportunities to engage.
The Vuda Waste to Energy proposal has drawn close public attention because it would be located in the Vuda area, with potential implications for nearby communities and local services. Extending viewing hours to late evening at a Vuda venue is intended to allow those who work during the day in Lautoka, Ba and other centres more opportunity to review the technical material and lodge formal comments.
How the ministry progresses the proposed regulatory changes — whether they will permit wider digital access, alter the fee structure, or expand viewing locations permanently — will be closely watched by community groups and industry stakeholders. Tabuya said these options are being considered and that any amendments would be tabled through the proper legislative or administrative channels once reviews are completed.
For now, members of the public who wish to inspect the EIA should note the dates 23 March to 22 April and the available locations, and prepare written submissions for consideration by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change as part of the statutory review process. Further public consultations will follow the initial review period to ensure continued dialogue over the project’s environmental and social impacts.
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