Villagers of Navunikabi Village in Namosi have made their voices heard in a peaceful protest against the proposed hydro dam project, stating, “We say no to a hydro dam.” On Saturday, nearly 100 residents, both young and old, gathered at the proposed site brandishing banners and placards to express their opposition to the initiative promoted by the Electricity Fiji Limited (EFL).
The villagers are not against development per se; rather, they are against the manner in which the project consultation was conducted and how their opinions have been represented. The estimated $200 million hydro project involves three potential sites: Wainikoroiluva, Wainikovu, and Waivaka, affecting both Namosi and Naitasiri provinces. This initiative is believed to be championed by Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has previously acknowledged Ratu Suliano’s role in exploring new sources of renewable energy in Namosi. Despite a series of meetings involving villagers, government representatives, and landowners, opposition remains strong among residents, with suggestions made to potentially relocate the village of Navunikabi.
Simione Mekemeke, a member of the Lomani Au Maroroi Au (LAMA) group from Navunikabi, conveyed widespread fears among villagers regarding the potential inundation of their homes from rising waters due to the dam. “Our forefathers are buried here, and we have built our lives in this village. Relocation is not an option for us,” he asserted, criticizing the project’s lack of proper communication during initial studies.
Concerns also extend to the environmental impact of the hydro project on local businesses, particularly the Namosi Eco Retreat, which could suffer adverse effects. “Building a massive hydro dam here would spoil what we already have,” Mekemeke warned, pledging to resist any plans for relocation.
LAMA chairman Sipiriano Nariva reiterated their stance, stating, “We are here to say no to hydro.” LAMA represents various clans in Wainikoroiluva, Namosi, and Waidina in Naitasiri, and plans to work alongside the government to address landowners’ concerns before any development progresses. He urged the government to respect the wishes of the villagers who are apprehensive about the negative consequences on their land and livelihoods.
Elderly villager Sabeta Seniqumu expressed her worries about relocating the village, stressing the need to uphold their cultural heritage, farming, and ancestral land. She indicated that, despite their chief’s suggestions regarding relocation, resistance among villagers was firm due to their attachment to their history. Similarly, resident Mareta Nayadi highlighted their reliance on natural resources for sustenance and questioned the necessity of the dams given their current access to electricity.
Ratu Iowane Matanitobua, chair of the Namosi Provincial Council, noted that the project remains in the feasibility study phase, with no concrete plans yet and data still being gathered before further discussions with villagers. Attempts to solicit comments from Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua and EFL CEO Hasmukh Patel were unsuccessful.