The Next Generation (TNG) Fiji has urged an "evidence-based" national debate over the proposed waste-to-energy facility at Vuda after Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini publicly raised concerns about the site's cultural and environmental significance. The call comes as a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment prepared by independent global engineering firm GHD has been submitted and entered a public consultation phase, marking a new stage in the project's scrutiny.
In a statement, TNG acknowledged the ambassador's concerns as "important" and said public scrutiny is both expected and necessary for a project of this scale. But the organisation stressed that the 1,500‑page EIA should now frame the conversation, allowing experts, communities and regulators to test scientific findings, assess health and environmental impacts and consider mitigation measures. "These are precisely the types of issues that the EIA process is designed to assess, including social, cultural, and environmental impacts, alongside mitigation measures," TNG said.
TNG also sought to allay fears about emissions and health risks, saying those topics are covered in the assessment and pointing to international practice. "Modern energy‑from‑waste facilities operate under strict international emissions standards, with advanced filtration systems and continuous monitoring designed to ensure compliance with global benchmarks," the group said, adding that the EIA will be examined by regulators and made available for public consultation.
The organisation rejected comparisons with a recently rejected proposal in Australia, saying the Vuda project has been specifically designed for Fiji's waste profile, environmental conditions and regulatory framework and will be evaluated on its own merits under Fiji law. TNG emphasised the project is not intended as a regional dumping facility but as a domestic solution for waste generated within Fiji, including material tied to tourism and imported goods.
TNG warned that the country's formally reported waste volumes—around 200,000 tonnes annually—likely understate reality because of informal dumping and leakage, making long‑term management solutions more urgent. The group pointed to tourism growth as a further pressure: in 2025, 452,422 visitors arrived from Australia, comprising nearly 46 percent of arrivals, and tourism is expected to double over the next five years, TNG said, which would drive up waste volumes.
The submission of the GHD EIA and the opening of the public consultation phase are the key developments in the project's timeline. TNG said the process provides the avenue to test scientific claims, raise site‑specific cultural and heritage concerns raised by Ambassador Tarakinikini, and propose mitigation or alternative approaches. The organisation reiterated its willingness to engage with communities, stakeholders and the independent assessment process, calling for decisions to be guided by evidence, independent assessment and informed public dialogue.
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