Plans for a 13-storey apartment building along with 11 car parks in Vatuwaqa, Suva, have ignited significant backlash from local residents, who are condemning the $5-per-page fee imposed for accessing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports as “unreasonable and unfair.”
Adrienne Ali, a resident of the area, expressed her dissatisfaction ahead of a public consultation, emphasizing the financial burden placed on locals, particularly since some EIA documents can extend to 500 pages. “That’s the minimum wage in Fiji; you’re basically asking people to give up eating just to obtain information,” Ali stated.
She also raised concerns regarding the accessibility of these reports, questioning why the EIA documents are not available online for public access. “In this digital age, what’s the harm in just putting it on your website? What do you have to hide?” she queried.
The resident’s concerns extend beyond financial issues. Ali highlighted that the proposed development could exacerbate existing problems in Suva’s infrastructure, citing frequent water shortages, electricity outages, and heavy traffic congestion. Referencing a recent fire incident in Toorak, Ali noted the inadequacy of local resources: “There were 13 firefighters and three trucks, and they still didn’t have enough water pressure. Imagine all these new buildings using even more resources.”
Ali insisted that before further approvals are considered for developments like this one, critical issues such as traffic congestion, water supply, electricity, drainage, and emergency access must be adequately addressed to ensure the well-being and safety of the community. The growing concern surrounding urban development and its impact on infrastructure reflects a broader dialogue about sustainable growth in Suva and the necessity for greater transparency from developers.
As these discussions unfold, it is essential for community voices to be heard and for city planners to take into account the increasing demands on public resources. Encouraging open communication and transparency can pave the way for a balanced approach to future urban development.