Residents in Vuda, Lautoka, raised significant concerns during a public consultation regarding a proposed multi-million-dollar waste-to-energy power plant. The meeting, held at Dreketi Temple in Saweni, was led by Australian businessman Ian Malouf, who outlined the project’s goals to convert waste into energy, lessen Fiji’s dependence on imported diesel, and potentially save the nation an estimated $250 million annually. The construction of the facility is projected to commence by late 2027.
Attendee Keni Dakuidreketi pointed out that much of the frustration expressed during the gathering derived from misunderstandings surrounding the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. He emphasized that while the atmosphere was tense, the meeting marked the beginning of an important dialogue. “This is a question-and-answer session; you raise your issues, and they are noted down,” said Dakuidreketi, underscoring that immediate solutions were not the objective of the consultation.
He elaborated on the extensive terms of reference for the EIA, clarifying that attendees should not expect answers to their concerns on that day. Some residents proposed relocating the plant to the vicinity of the Vunato landfill; however, Dakuidreketi questioned the fairness of such a suggestion, highlighting the inconsistency in expectations regarding the placement of the facility.
Despite the apprehensions expressed, Dakuidreketi remained hopeful that ongoing consultations would lead to a greater recognition of the project’s potential benefits for the nation as a whole. Further sessions are planned to ensure that community input continues to be an integral part of the process moving forward. The public’s engagement reflects a commitment to transparency and dialogue, fostering a collaborative environment for addressing concerns regarding the ambitious waste-to-energy initiative.
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