Residents of Navunikabi Village in Namosi held a peaceful protest on Saturday, voicing their strong opposition to a proposed hydro dam project by the Electric Fiji Limited (EFL). Nearly 100 villagers gathered near the intended site to express their concerns with banners and placards, repeating their stance that while they support development, they reject the way they were consulted and their views misrepresented.
The hydro project, estimated at $200 million, aims to develop three sites: Wainikoroiluva, Wainikovu, and Waivaka, affecting both Namosi and Naitasiri provinces. Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, is believed to be leading the initiative. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka previously mentioned Ratu Suliano’s role in exploring new renewable energy sources in inland Namosi in a Facebook post.
Despite previous consultations involving villagers, government representatives, and landowners, many villagers remain adamantly opposed to the project. The idea of relocating Navunikabi Village has been suggested, causing significant distress among residents.
Simione Mekemeke, a member of the Lomani Au Maroroi Au (LAMA) group, emphasized the fears among villagers that rising water levels could inundate their homes. He highlighted the deep-rooted connections the community has to the land, insisting that relocation is not an option for them.
Mekemeke criticized the initial communication regarding the project, revealing that studies were conducted without adequate consultation with the villagers. Many are apprehensive about potential environmental impacts on local businesses, notably the Namosi Eco Retreat, with Mekemeke warning that a large hydro dam could destroy what the community already cherishes.
LAMA’s chairman, Sipiriano Nariva, echoed the villagers’ sentiments, stating, “We are here to say no to hydro.” The committee represents several clans in Namosi and Naitasiri and aims to collaborate with the government to ensure landowners’ voices are heard.
Among the concerned residents, 72-year-old Sabeta Seniqumu expressed fears over the preservation of the village’s culture and historical sites, stating that the community is against any relocation orders despite their chief’s directive. Other villagers also voiced similar opposition, emphasizing their reliance on the land for sustenance and livelihood.
Namosi Provincial Council chair Ratu Iowane Matanitobua noted that the project is still in the feasibility study phase, with no definitive plans yet. Efforts to reach Tui Namosi and EFL’s CEO for comments were unsuccessful.