Villagers in Navunikabi, Namosi, voiced their opposition to the proposed hydro dam project during a peaceful protest on Saturday. Nearly 100 residents, spanning different ages, gathered at the potential dam site carrying signs and banners to express their concerns.
While they support development, the villagers criticized the consultation process surrounding the project, claiming their perspectives have not been adequately represented. The proposed hydroelectric project, estimated at $200 million, aims to establish facilities at three sites: Wainikoroiluva, Wainikovu, and Waivaka, serving the provinces of Namosi and Naitasiri. Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, is believed to be leading the initiative.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka acknowledged Ratu Suliano’s role in exploring new renewable energy sources from the inland areas of Namosi in a Facebook post in April. Despite multiple consultations involving villagers, government representatives, chiefs, and landowners, the community remains resolute in their opposition to the hydro dam.
Concerns have arisen regarding suggestions of relocating Navunikabi villagers. Simione Mekemeke, a member of the Lomani Au Maroroi Au (LAMA) group, emphasized the sentiment against relocation, citing fears that increased water levels could jeopardize their homes. He lamented the lack of adequate communication regarding the dam project, revealing that preliminary studies had been conducted without proper community engagement.
The villagers are particularly worried about how potential environmental changes from the hydro project could harm local businesses, such as the Namosi Eco Retreat. Mekemeke underlined the villagers’ determination to fight against relocation, stating, “They cannot simply come in and propose to relocate us. That is not happening.”
Chairman of the LAMA landowners committee, Sipiriano Nariva, reiterated the committee’s firm stance against the hydro project, urging the government and stakeholders to respect the villagers’ wishes and avoid developments that threaten their land and livelihoods.
Seventy-two-year-old Sabeta Seniqumu echoed similar concerns, highlighting the significance of preserving their cultural identity, agricultural practices, and ancestral lands. Despite directives from their chief regarding potential relocation, she expressed strong resistance to moving, fearing for the future of their lives and heritage.
Another villager, Mareta Nayadi, emphasized how the community relies on their natural resources for sustenance and questioned the necessity of the dam given their existing electricity supply. Seventy-nine-year-old Makitalena Nayara shared her objections to the project as well.
Ratu Iowane Matanitobua, chair of the Namosi Provincial Council, clarified that the project is still in the feasibility study phase, with data being gathered before further discussions with the villagers.
Attempts to obtain comments from Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua and EFL CEO Hasmukh Patel were unsuccessful, as both were unavailable at the time.