The Director of Environment and the Attorney-General’s Office have taken legal action against Great Han International Pte Ltd, following a previous ruling by the Environment Tribunal that permitted the company to continue its construction project on Princes Road in Suva.
The High Court case was presided over by Justice Vishwa Datt Sharma, with the Environment Director and A-G’s Office appealing the Tribunal’s decision made last year. That ruling dismissed an earlier stop work order issued on September 23, 2024, which had halted the construction activities of Great Han International due to unresolved environmental compliance issues.
Great Han’s attorney, Feizal Younas Haniff, defended the company in court while the A-G’s Office represented the Department of Environment. The case was adjourned pending further review.
This legal battle not only emphasizes the complexities surrounding construction and environmental regulations but also raises questions about the efficacy of the existing guidelines set forth in the Environment Management Act. The outcome may have broader implications for similar projects in the future, highlighting the ongoing tension between development needs and environmental protection.
It is hopeful that this case could ultimately lead to clearer regulatory practices that balance developmental ambitions with environmental stewardship. There is potential for the legal discussions to foster improved frameworks, ensuring both sustainable growth and accountability in urban planning.
Leave a comment