The proposed construction of two nine-storey Nalagi Residential Apartments in Flagstaff, Suva, has become a contentious issue, with local lawyer Adrienne Ali raising concerns about the development’s adherence to zoning regulations. The project, which sits on a commercial B zone upgraded from a residential B zone in 2022, is claimed to exceed the area’s permissible density ratio by 5%.
Ali criticized the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for its lack of reference to zoning laws, questioning why the project is permitted to proceed without a complete Operational Environmental Management Plan (OEMP) submitted beforehand— a step that other developers are required to take prior to beginning operations. She urged the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) to clarify why the Nalagi project was allowed to move forward without these essential documents.
In defense of the project, Jacqueline Hughes, representing the EIA consulting firm Planit Pacific Pte Ltd., stated that the DTCP has the authority to grant conditional developments within a commercial zone. She explained that without car parking spaces, the development maintains a ratio of 3.6:1, just marginally above the density limit. Hughes pointed out that the DTCP can allow up to a 20% increase in density if waste management provisions, like connection to the sewer system, are met, which in this case has been confirmed.
This debate over the Nalagi Apartments mirrors previous community concerns regarding urban developments in Suva, including the Great Han Residential Development. Residents have commonly voiced apprehensions about the potential environmental impacts and inadequate public consultations involved in such large-scale projects.
Amid the concerns, there is hope for constructive dialogue, as plans for further consultations have been announced to involve a wider audience of stakeholders. This approach could foster a more collaborative effort moving forward and lead to development strategies that honor local community interests while balancing growth needs within urban environments.
The ongoing deliberations highlight a growing necessity for proactive engagement from both developers and authorities, addressing residents’ grievances and ensuring that urban expansion aligns with environmental and community welfare.
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