Villagers in Navunikabi, Namosi, voiced their opposition to a proposed hydro dam during a peaceful protest on Saturday, asserting, “We say no to a hydro dam.” Nearly 100 residents, both young and old, gathered at the potential dam site, carrying banners and placards to express their dissent.
While the villagers are not opposed to development itself, they have raised concerns over the lack of proper consultation and representation of their views concerning the hydro project. The proposed $200 million project aims to develop three sites: Wainikoroiluva, Wainikovu, and Waivaka, impacting the provinces of Namosi and Naitasiri. The initiative is believed to be led by Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka mentioned in a Facebook post that Ratu Suliano has been crucial in the search for new renewable energy sources from inland Namosi. Despite a series of consultations involving villagers, government officials, the chiefly household, and landowners, dissent remains strong among the villagers, with suggestions of relocating Navunikabi being a contentious issue.
Simione Mekemeke, a member of the LAMAA group from Navunikabi Village, voiced shared concerns, highlighting that while some support the hydro development, many fear flooding as a consequence of rising waters. “Our forefathers are buried here, and we have built our lives in this village. Relocation is not an option for us,” he stated, criticizing the lack of proper initial consultations regarding the project.
The villagers also worry about the hydro project’s environmental effects, particularly on local businesses such as the Namosi Eco Retreat. “Building a massive hydro dam here would spoil what we already have,” Mekemeke warned, vowing to resist any attempts to relocate them.
LAMA chairman Sipiriano Nariva emphasized, “We are here to say no to hydro,” pointing out that the committee represents multiple clans from the Wainikoroiluva and Naitasiri regions. Nariva called on the government and stakeholders to heed the landowners’ concerns, urging respect for their wishes.
Sabeta Seniqumu, a 72-year-old villager, expressed a deep commitment to preserving the village’s culture and history, opposing both the proposed hydro project and the suggestion of relocation. Other villagers echoed her sentiments, expressing apprehension about their futures if forced to leave their ancestral land.
Namosi Provincial Council chair Ratu Iowane Matanitobua confirmed that the project’s feasibility studies are still ongoing, and no concrete plans have been made. Attempts to reach Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua and EFL CEO Hasmukh Patel for their comments were unsuccessful.