PRF Continues to Receive Public Concerns Over Proposed Vuda Waste-to-Energy Project
Stop Glorifying Billionaires or Large Foreign Investors in National Development Discussions – Deo
Pacific Recycling Foundation said it continues to receive growing concerns, filled with worry and anxiety, from members of the public regarding the proposed Waste-to-Energy project at Vuda Point.
Over the past week, PRF was contacted directly by community members from Vuda, who expressed unease about the potential environmental, health, and social impacts of the proposed development.
PRF Founder, Amitesh Deo, said these concerns must not be dismissed or overlooked, particularly at a time when the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is undergoing public review.
“As an organisation working closely with communities and those at the frontline of Fiji’s waste crisis, we are continuing to receive genuine concerns from people who are worried about what this project could mean for their future,” Deo said.
“These are real people, real families, and real communities who feel uncertain about what lies ahead.”
PRF formally submitted its position to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change a few weeks ago, outlining its concerns regarding the proposed development.
Deo reiterated that PRF’s position is grounded in several critical considerations, including the risk of recyclable materials being diverted into the plant under Fiji’s current mixed waste system, potential long-term environmental and public health implications, and the likelihood of the project undermining recycling efforts while affecting the livelihoods of Collection Pillars of Recycling.
PRF also notes recent reporting indicating that a similar proposal by the same developer was not approved by the Australian Government, which raises important questions, particularly when considering implementation in Fiji.
Deo is calling on decision-makers to ensure that the voices of the people are respected and reflected in any final decisions regarding the project.
“We must be very clear – national development and progress cannot come at the cost of overlooking the concerns of our people. A consultation process should not be treated as a formality. Where consistent concerns and feedback are raised, these should be carefully considered in shaping the direction of the proposed project,” Deo said.
PRF also expressed concern regarding recent remarks attributed to the proposed developer describing opposition as coming from “a few selfish people.”
“It is deeply concerning to characterise members of the public in this manner,” Deo said.
“Communities and organisations who are raising concerns are doing so out of a genuine responsibility to protect their environment, health, and livelihoods. These are not selfish positions – they are legitimate and important perspectives that deserve to be respected.”
“Dismissing such concerns risks undermining public trust and does not contribute to the constructive and inclusive dialogue that is required for a project of this scale.”
Deo reiterated that Fiji’s waste management challenges are real and urgent, but solutions must be grounded in respect, transparency, and alignment with the country’s social, environmental, and economic realities.
PRF also cautioned against the growing tendency to glorify billionaires or large foreign investors in national development discussions, as though financial scale alone guarantees the right solutions.
“Being a billionaire or having access to large amounts of capital does not automatically mean the solutions being proposed are right for Fiji,” Deo said.
“Decisions of this magnitude must be based on evidence, context, and the long-term wellbeing of our people and land – not on perceptions that wealth alone brings the best outcomes.”
PRF is urging all stakeholders, including government and project developers, to ensure that the ongoing EIA review process remains transparent, inclusive, and responsive to public feedback.
“The people of Vuda, and Fijians more broadly, deserve confidence that their voices matter, and that decisions being made today will not compromise their health, environment, or livelihoods tomorrow.”
Deo further confirmed that PRF is in ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and will be working towards establishing regular monthly catch-up meetings to address this issue and other pertinent waste management and environmental concerns, as part of a more coordinated and solutions-focused approach moving forward.