Major sporting bodies join opposition to Fiji's multi-million-dollar garbage project

Two of Fiji's major sporting organisations have opposed the setting up of a waste incinerator in the Vuda-Saweni area between the Nadi International Airport and Lautoka city.

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) and the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) have both told local media they do not support the proposed US$1.4 billion Waste-to-Energy project at Vuda Point.

Members of the community in the greater Nadi to Lautoka area have opposed the garbage project also, which is backed by Australian waste entrepreneur Ian Malouf and Fiji-born businessman Robert Cromb.

The investment is reported to plan to burn up to 900,000 tonnes of waste a year, far exceeding Fiji's local waste production, requiring the import of waste from across the South Pacific.

The Fijian government has indicated the project is currently undergoing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) with no confirmation yet that it will go ahead.

While the projects supporters say the plan would save FJ$250 million a year on imported fuel for power generation, its crticis are not buying it.

As of early this month, over 5000 people have signed a petition opposing the project.

Both major sporting organisations have joined the bandwagon, with their own stadium projects in the pipeline to be constructed in the area.

Fiji FA chief executive Mohammed Yusuf said the waste project would affect the stadium project they have, where they hope people will converge to watch top football action as a community of Fijians.

The new 20,000-seater stadium construction in Lomolomo, Lautoka, is set to begin this year.

"Our planned development will be in close proximity and as such it will have drastic effect tour plans," Yusuf told Fiji Sun.

The stadium project costs will be around $25 million to $30m.

FRU board chairman John Sanday said the project would be a risk to their plans to establish the first permanent national home for rugby at Saweni.

He said they would have to re-evaluate their location if government greenlights the project.

"The FRU stands in full solidarity with the Tokatoka Wadigi and their leader Apimeleki Nasalo," Sanday said.

"Our goal is to create a sanctuary for our athletes and a premier destination for international fans.

"The health and safety of our players and supporters are non-negotiable. The prospect of an industrial incinerator burning over 900,000 tonnes of waste annually in our immediate vicinity poses a significant risk.

"The potential release of hazardous particles and the resulting 'toxic perception' would fundamentally undermine the viability and economic value of our stadium and entertainment hub."

Sanday added that beyond the impact on sports infrastructure, the FRU is deeply concerned about the broader ecological consequences.

"The proposed site sits against one of Fiji's most valuable seascapes.

"Marine Life: The project threatens the marine ecosystems that provide a primary food source and livelihood for the Vuda and Saweni communities.

"Environmental Integrity: Burning massive quantities of waste-much of which is reportedly intended to be imported-is inconsistent with Fiji's "Green" image and our commitment to a sustainable future."

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said no approval has been granted yet.

He said Cabinet had only approved the company to carry out due diligence, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and public consultations.

"No approval has been made for the business to proceed," he told The Fiji Sun.

Representing the communities around the Western Division, the Western Division District Councils of Social Services, who are affiliates of the Fiji Council of Social Services, have also called on government not to allow this proposed project to go ahead.

They say given the massive scale of this waste management development, a thorough community consultation should have been the primary step taken in the spirit of respect and deference.

Randall Kamea, a former Flying Fijians player, told ABC's Pacific Beat programme that the project "isn't a waste solution for Fiji".

"It's a waste solution for Australia being imposed on Fiji. No country in the world runs an incinerator built primarily to burn another nation's rubbish," he said.