Fiji’s waste management strategy prioritizes reduction, reuse, and recycling, a framework that is emphasized amidst community concerns over a new waste-to-energy (WtE) project in Vuda Point, Lautoka. Dr. Sivendra Michael, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, has responded to anxieties raised by local residents and NGOs regarding potential impacts on recycling initiatives due to the WtE facility, which is being developed by The Next Generation (Fiji) Holdings Pte Limited, backed by both local and international investors.
Dr. Michael has recognized the legitimacy of these concerns, asserting the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that any energy-from-waste project aligns with Fiji’s broader waste management objectives. The country’s National Integrated Waste Management and Pollution Control Strategy places a strong emphasis on minimizing waste and promoting recycling over energy recovery. He noted that any proposed WtE initiative must demonstrate that it will not hinder the goals of waste reduction and recycling.
In an effort to mitigate waste production, the Ministry is also implementing preventive measures, including a ban on certain problematic plastics. The concept of a waste-to-energy project is a relatively new endeavor for Fiji, and public consultations have revealed considerable interest among Vuda residents. During these consultations, representatives from the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) expressed their concerns regarding potential environmental and community health risks posed by the project. PRF founder Amitesh Deo voiced that any WtE initiative should support recycling efforts rather than undermine them.
Highlighting Fiji’s already low recycling rates, Deo warned that directing recyclable materials to energy recovery could stall improvements in recycling practices. He emphasized the importance of transparency concerning the types of waste that the facility will process, advocating that it should only manage residual waste after all recyclable and compostable materials have been removed.
Residents are also troubled by the current system of waste collection, which often results in mixed waste being disposed of without proper sorting. Deo cautioned that if the WtE facility depends on waste for its operations over time, there is a significant risk that recyclable materials will be sent to the plant instead of being effectively processed.
The active involvement of the community illustrates their desire to influence the future of Fiji’s waste management. The Ministry’s openness to addressing concerns and balancing energy requirements with environmental considerations offers a hopeful avenue for collaboration among stakeholders. Such cooperative efforts could lead to enhanced waste management practices that prioritize the health of the environment and the wellbeing of the community.