Fiji’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is emphasizing the importance of its waste management framework, which adheres to a hierarchy that prioritizes waste reduction, reuse, and recycling over disposal or energy recovery. Dr. Sivendra Michael, the ministry’s permanent secretary, highlighted that the proposed waste to energy (WtE) project in Lautoka, led by The Next Generation (Fiji) Holdings Pte Limited, aims to reduce Fiji’s reliance on imported diesel fuel for power generation.
In response to concerns from local residents and NGOs regarding the potential negative impacts of the WtE plant on recycling efforts, Dr. Michael acknowledged the validity of these worries. He reiterated that any energy-from-waste proposal must align with Fiji’s commitment to waste minimization and cannot undermine existing recycling and reuse goals. The ministry is also advancing measures, such as phasing out problematic plastics, to curb waste generation.
During the initial consultations in Vuda Point, community members expressed their apprehensions. Amitesh Deo, founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation, warned that the project could harm the environment and undermine the health and livelihoods of surrounding communities. He asserted that any waste-to-energy initiatives should support, rather than compete with, recycling efforts, especially given Fiji’s already low recycling rates.
Deo called for clarity on the types of waste the WtE facility would process, stressing the need for it to focus solely on residual waste after recyclable materials have been removed. He urged that transparency is crucial in ensuring that ongoing improvements in recycling are maintained while the facility operates, arguing that a lack of sorting increases the risk that valuable recyclables may be unwittingly fed into the plant.
The situation highlights a pivotal moment for Fiji as it navigates the balance between energy needs and sustainable waste management practices. With concerted community involvement and adherence to environmental principles, there remains potential for Fiji to develop solutions that foster both energy independence and a robust recycling culture, paving the way for a cleaner and healthier future.
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