Residents of Navunikabi Village in Namosi expressed their opposition to a proposed hydro dam project during a peaceful protest on Saturday. Nearly 100 villagers, both young and old, gathered at the site planned for the $200 million hydroelectric facility to voice their concerns.
While the villagers are not opposed to development, they are dissatisfied with the consultation process and feel their perspectives on the project have not been accurately represented. The proposed hydro project aims to cover three locations: Wainikoroiluva, Wainikovu, and Waivaka, affecting both Namosi and Naitasiri provinces.
Leading the project is Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, who has been noted by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for his role in advancing renewable energy initiatives from the inland region of Namosi. Despite various consultations involving villagers, government entities, traditional leaders, and landowners, the community remains resolute in opposing the initiative.
There are also suggestions for relocating the village of Navunikabi, which has raised alarm among residents. Simione Mekemeke, a member of the Lomani Au Maroroi Au (LAMA) group, shared the villagers’ fears, particularly about potential flooding of their homes due to rising water levels. He emphasized their deep-rooted connections to the land, stating that relocation is not an option.
Mekemeke criticized the project’s communication strategy, revealing that initial research was conducted without meaningful consultation with the villagers. The community is concerned about the potential negative environmental impacts of the hydro project, especially on local businesses like the Namosi Eco Retreat.
LAMA chairman Sipiriano Nariva reiterated that the committee, representing various clans from Wainikoroiluva, Namosi, and Waidina in Naitasiri, is firmly against the hydro development. He called on the government and stakeholders to respect the wishes of the landowners and villagers who fear for their livelihoods.
Elder Sabeta Seniqumu raised additional concerns about the impact of relocation on the community’s culture and historical heritage. Despite directives from their chief, many villagers are determined to remain in their ancestral home.
Villagers like Mareta Nayadi and Makitalena Nayara echoed these sentiments, stressing their dependence on the land and resources for their livelihoods and questioning the necessity of the dams, given their current access to electricity.
Namosi Provincial Council chair Ratu Iowane Matanitobua confirmed that the project is still in the feasibility study phase, with no concrete plans in place yet. Efforts to contact Tui Namosi and EFL CEO Hasmukh Patel for their comments were unsuccessful.