The Department of Lands has acknowledged that it erred in granting a foreshore lease for the Nawi Island Marina in Savusavu, a decision that has ignited tensions between the marina and the nearby Copra Shed Marina, resulting in significant disruptions to business operations.
During a recent town hall meeting, Doly Singh, managing director of Copra Shed Marina, expressed concerns over the handling of the issue, particularly highlighting that staff from Nawi Island Marina had removed eight of Copra Shed’s moorings earlier in the year, with four of these having boats moored at the time. Singh stated, “These moorings have been in place for over 30 years and are registered with MSAF,” and emphasized that the boats were untied without permission.
Viliame Waqa, the divisional land manager, confirmed the mistake made by the department and mentioned that efforts are underway to rectify the situation. “We admit the mistake and are working with stakeholders to resolve it,” Waqa said, noting that the absence of a foreshore officer in the North has exacerbated delays in addressing the issue. A new officer is expected to be appointed to expedite the resolution process.
In its defense, Nawi Island Marina stated that it consulted with the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) before and after the moorings were removed, claiming to have received approval from the MSAF CEO. The marina also noted that Copra Shed Marina did not inform MSAF that its moorings were within Nawi Island’s lease area, despite renewing its licenses annually.
The ongoing dispute highlights the need for improved communication and cooperation among local maritime operators. Similar to recent interventions by governance authorities in other areas, such as the Ministry of Lands’ acknowledgment of the sensitivities surrounding this case, there appears to be a movement toward mediation and cooperation between competing businesses in the region. Continued dialogue among the stakeholders involved could lead to a more cohesive resolution and foster a collaborative environment beneficial for the tourism sector in Savusavu.
With proactive engagement from authorities and both marinas, there is hope for a resolution that not only addresses the current tensions but also lays the groundwork for sustainable growth and mutual respect among local businesses.
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