The proposed waste-to-energy power plant in Lautoka has encountered substantial opposition following consultations held earlier this week. Spearheaded by The Next Generation Holdings (Fiji) Pte Limited and supported by Australian investor Ian Malouf, the facility aims to generate 80 megawatts of energy for Fiji’s national grid. However, local residents have raised significant concerns regarding potential health and environmental risks associated with the plant.
At the recent gathering, representatives from various organizations, including the Pacific Recycling Foundation, expressed strong dissent against the project. Josaia Cava, the corporate relations manager for Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited, highlighted the importance of respecting the land and its people in any development initiative. He emphasized that mutual respect is essential for foreign investments, stating, “You can have millions of dollars, but if there is no respect, then it shows you do not truly care about our people or our beautiful Fiji.”
Zoheb Shah, the Lautoka branch manager for WRFL, criticized the consultation process, noting its inadequacies in effective risk assessments and house-to-house surveys. This lack of thorough communication caused confusion and frustration among residents. Amitesh Deo, founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation, shared this sentiment and pointed out that Mr. Malouf’s previous comments labeling local waste management efforts as a “disgrace” further added to the community’s discontent. Deo emphasized the necessity of addressing Fiji’s waste management issues within the context of its historical challenges and limited resources.
In addition to health concerns, the proposed plant is projected to require approximately 900,000 tonnes of waste annually, with a significant amount expected to be imported. This has led to worries among community members that valuable recyclable materials may be directed to the facility instead of being properly processed, exacerbating the existing waste management challenges.
Although the consultations intended to foster dialogue, many attendees felt patronized rather than genuinely engaged in the process. Deo reiterated that a true partnership in development requires respect and acknowledgment of Fiji’s unique challenges and progress.
While the project aims to tackle energy needs in the region, the community’s strong pushback underscores a growing demand for responsible investment practices that genuinely take into account local environmental and health considerations. As discussions continue, it is imperative for stakeholders to collaborate closely with the community to build trust and ensure that development efforts yield beneficial outcomes for all involved.