Some residents of Suva have expressed dissatisfaction with a recent meeting regarding a proposed nine-storey apartment development by Dong Cheng Investment near Short Street. Many believe the meeting was poorly timed, which limited attendance and suspect it was intended to minimize public participation. Resident Alienne Ali voiced her concern, stating that had the consultation been scheduled for the evening, more community members would have been able to attend.
Ali criticized the timing of the meeting, suggesting it was designed to reduce voter turnout, and pointed out that not all regulatory authorities were present to address residents’ questions. She also expressed worries about issues such as local employment, noise, dust, traffic pollution, and fire safety, as well as the accessibility of the full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.
Bipin Patel, another concerned resident, called for greater transparency and representation from relevant stakeholders at future consultations, expressing frustration with the current engagement process. “Get everybody here, so we can all make an informed decision,” he stated, highlighting the need for adequate information regarding the project and its implications for local properties.
In contrast, the Ministry of Environment noted that a review committee meeting is scheduled for next week as part of the process required under the Environment Management Act before any final decision is made. The Suva City Council has urged residents to respect the consultation process, emphasizing that the intention is to achieve the best outcome for all parties involved.
The discourse surrounding this proposed development mirrors past community reactions to urban projects in Suva, including concerns raised regarding the Great Han Residential Development. Residents have frequently voiced apprehensions about environmental assessments and the potential impacts of development on their neighborhoods. This underscores the necessity for thorough public engagement and consideration of community feedback in the planning stages of such projects.
As discussions progress, there remains hope for a collaborative approach that acknowledges and addresses community concerns, thereby fostering a development framework that balances growth with environmental and social welfare.
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