Nukutocia villagers urge caution as quarry near Ovalau shows impact on wind barrier and cyclone resilience
Villagers from Nukutocia in Ovalau are voicing serious concerns about rock-extraction activities adjacent to their community, warning that the quarry is leaving them more exposed to natural hazards such as storms and coastal erosion. Their village headman, Maikeli Tamani, said the quarry’s location, while apparently aimed at helping development on the island, has come at a cost.
Tamani recalled that the rock wall next to the village has long served as a natural wind barrier, protecting residents from strong winds and cyclones. He emphasized that this structure aligns with ancestral guidance and has clearly benefited the community. However, he noted noticeable changes over the years, especially around cyclones, since excavation work began.
The quarrying began roughly 19 years ago, when rock boulders were sourced to support development projects at the Pacific Fishing Company (PAFCO) in Levuka. When coastal erosion intensified and coastal roads were repeatedly damaged by high waves, the decision was made to quarry gravel and rock to help shore up the coastline and road infrastructure. Tamani said Cyclone Winston underscored the shift, with the village experiencing greater exposure to winds due to a widening gap in the wall.
Compensation for the land lease has sparked further debate. While the mataqali (clan group) that leased the land benefited from the quarry, many residents say they endure the accompanying noise and dust, and have become more vulnerable to cyclones. Tamani urged the Government to consider broader compensation so that all affected residents receive support.
Background and official responses
In 2022, the Fiji Environmental Law Association and Environmental Defenders Office Australia visited Ovalau to conduct community consultations on climate-change impacts. They highlighted Nukutocia’s plight, including runoff and silt deposits that damaged coastal habitats, sea grass, and marine life. Mataqali Salili repInoke Tokalau acknowledged that talks about the extraction site created significant debate within the village, with some members opposing the decision while others believed it would benefit the island by addressing flooding and road damage.
The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) stated that consultations were held before the quarry project began, and landowner consent was obtained for the work. FRA said it had conducted a formal Environmental Impact Assessment to ensure responsible handling and minimal environmental impact. They described the quarry as a “major win” for Ovalau, arguing that the barriers built along the coast help protect shoreline and roads from rising seas and storm surges. FRA also claimed that local material sourcing reduced transport costs and enabled quicker maintenance with more funds redirected into road improvements.
Broader regional context
The situation in Nukutocia resonates with broader regional concerns about resource extraction on islands. Similar debates have unfolded in Ba, where black sand mining by Amex Resources Ltd has raised alarm over ecological damage, impacts on fisheries, and questions about who benefits from compensation. In those communities, residents have reported dwindling fish catches, increased boat rental costs, and calls for broader, more equitable compensation and deeper community consultation, alongside demands for independent review of environmental impacts and safeguards.
Editor’s note and forward look
As Ovalau weighs development benefits against environmental and social costs, ongoing community engagement will be essential. Authorities should ensure independent assessments of environmental impacts, transparent and inclusive consultation processes, and fair, broad-based compensation where livelihoods are affected. Strengthening coastal resilience—without compromising natural wind barriers and ecosystems—should remain a priority for both policy and practice.
What to monitor going forward
– Continued dialogue between Nukutocia residents, landowners, and government agencies to address compensation fairness and mitigation of noise and dust from the quarry.
– Monitoring of wind patterns and coastal erosion near the quarry site, with independent reviews of any changes linked to extraction activities.
– Evaluation of environmental safeguards, including runoff management, sediment control, and protection of nearby marine habitats.
– Consideration of broader community-benefit measures beyond landowners to ensure that all affected residents share in any development gains.
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