The Environment Tribunal has overturned its previous order that halted Great Han International Company Ltd from proceeding with an apartment development on Princes Road in Suva. The tribunal determined that the Environment Management Act 2005 does not provide explicit requirements for developers to submit an additional Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) if an initial EIA has already been approved.
On Thursday, Environment Tribunal Judge Charles Ratakale ruled in favor of Great Han, allowing the construction to move forward. He emphasized that both the Suva City Council and the Ministry of Environment serve as “approving authorities” in this context.
The tribunal addressed concerns regarding a technical group’s evaluation of the Construction Environment Management Plan (CEMP) and the Operational Environment Management Plan (OEMP) associated with the project. Ratakale noted that this group, which suggested improvements to the plans, was incorrectly constituted and lacked proper authorization for its review.
This situation underscores the complex relationship between urban development, environmental stewardship, and regulatory procedures. It highlights the necessity for comprehensive environmental assessments, even for projects that may seem exempt from requiring further evaluation.
Ultimately, the tribunal granted Great Han permission to complete the construction of Buildings 1 and 2 and revoked a stop-work order issued earlier this month. In reaching this conclusion, the tribunal found that the arguments and evidence presented by Great Han outweighed those from the Department of Environment.
In summary, while this ruling allows for the progress of development, it also serves as a reminder of the critical need for diligent environmental oversight to ensure sustainable growth in urban areas. This decision may pave the way for future projects to navigate the complex regulatory landscape while also committing to environmental responsibility.
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