Police have refused a permit for a planned march in Lautoka tomorrow protesting the proposed waste-to-energy development in Vuda, organisers said, triggering disappointment among local and overseas supporters who had already travelled to take part. The denial was communicated in a letter to event organisers signed by the Divisional Police Commander West, Senior Superintendent of Police Iakobo Vaisewa, the organisers said.
Narayan Reddy, who organised the demonstration, described the decision as a last-minute cancellation after extensive preparations. “It is sad that the march was cancelled at the last minute. Everything was organised and people from Australia, New Zealand, Suva and Vanua Levu had made their way to Lautoka today, and now everyone is disappointed,” Mr Reddy said. Supporters had reportedly gathered in Lautoka ahead of the planned protest.
Mr Reddy said the refusal undermines basic democratic rights. “The basic freedom of rights and expression is not being given to the people who voted for the Coalition Government,” he said, framing the denial as a constraint on public expression of concern about the project.
The waste-to-energy proposal in Vuda has drawn opposition from sections of the community since it was announced, with residents and activists voicing environmental and social concerns. The cancelled march was intended to be a visible demonstration of those objections; organisers say the event was intended to give a platform to affected communities and to raise broader public awareness.
Police have not publicly explained the reasons for denying the permit. The letter from the police was reported by organisers but officials in the Western Division had not issued a statement outlining the grounds for refusal by the time of this report. Attempts to obtain comment from the divisional command were not referenced in the organisers’ statement.
This is the latest development in an unfolding local dispute over the Vuda project. Organisers and participants — some of whom travelled from overseas and other islands — were left uncertain about next steps after the permit denial. The police decision to refuse permission at short notice has amplified calls from organisers for transparency on the reasons for the ban and for clarity about how authorities will handle future public assemblies related to contested development projects. The situation remains fluid as residents, activists and authorities consider how to proceed.
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