Villagers in Navunikabi, Namosi, voiced their opposition to the proposed hydro dam project during a peaceful protest on Saturday. Approximately 100 residents, both young and old, gathered near the site to express their concerns, holding banners that proclaimed, “We say no to a hydro dam.”
While the villagers support development, they expressed dissatisfaction with the consultation process and the representation of their views regarding the project. The proposed hydro project, estimated at $200 million, encompasses three sites: Wainikoroiluva, Wainikovu, and Waivaka, affecting the provinces of Namosi and Naitasiri. The initiative is believed to be supported by Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka acknowledged Ratu Suliano’s role in the search for new renewable energy sources in his April 23 Facebook post. Despite several consultations involving villagers, government officials, and landowners, residents remain committed to opposing the development. Suggestions for relocating the village have also been mentioned during discussions.
Simione Mekemeke, a member of the Lomani Au Maroroi Au (LAMA) group from Navunikabi Village, highlighted the fears shared among many villagers regarding the potential flooding of their homes due to rising waters. He articulated the deep personal connections villagers have to their land, stating, “Our forefathers are buried here, and we have built our lives in this village. Relocation is not an option for us.” Mekemeke criticized the initial research conducted without proper consultation with the villagers, emphasizing that plans for the dam were disclosed only after the studies had been completed.
Concerns were also raised about the environmental impact the hydro project could have on local businesses, particularly the Namosi Eco Retreat, which could suffer significant consequences. “Building a massive hydro dam here would spoil what we already have,” Mekemeke warned, pledging that the villagers would continue to fight against relocation.
LAMA chairman Sipiriano Nariva reiterated the community’s stance against the hydro project, urging authorities to consider the concerns of landowners before proceeding. “The bottom line of what we want is – no to hydro. We want to tell Government and everyone who is behind this proposed hydro to please leave us alone,” he stated.
The village’s elder, 72-year-old Sabeta Seniqumu, expressed concerns about the proposed relocation, highlighting the importance of their cultural heritage, farming practices, and ancestral sites. Despite directives from their chief to consider relocation, villagers are standing firm in their decision to remain in their homeland.
Mareta Nayadi, 60, and 79-year-old Makitalena Nayara echoed similar thoughts, emphasizing their reliance on natural resources for their livelihood and questioning the need for the dams given their existing access to electricity.
Namosi Provincial Council chair Ratu Iowane Matanitobua mentioned that the project is still in the feasibility study phase, with no concrete plans developed yet for the dam and data still being collected for future presentations to the villagers. Efforts to reach Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua and EFL CEO Hasmukh Patel for comments were unsuccessful.