A little over a hundred villagers from Navunikabi and five nearby villages in Namosi gathered in Suva this morning, some packed into three 3-tonne trucks, to deliver letters expressing their disappointment over what they perceive as a lack of direct engagement from key stakeholders regarding their opposition to the proposed Wainikoroiluva Hydro Dam project.
In a statement, the villagers from Vunikadi, Namosi Koro, Nasigatoka, Waiwaka, and Narukunibua claimed that their efforts to deliver a letter of objection to stakeholders, including the government, were met with redirection to junior representatives rather than senior officials.
“It is disheartening,” the village statement said. “We expected respect and transparency, but instead, we are being sidelined. This is not the partnership or accountability we were hoping for.”
The villagers fear the dam could disrupt the Wainikoroiluva River, an important resource for their daily lives and livelihoods, while also increasing the risk of flooding and damaging their ancestral lands and cultural heritage. They urged direct engagement, pointing out that past meetings with government officials had been more inclusive, making the recent experience particularly concerning.
“This reaction has deeply surprised the people of Namosi,” their statement read. “It starkly contrasts with the engagement and willingness to listen that government officials and stakeholders displayed during previous meetings in Navunikabi Village.
“Ignoring or delegating the voices of the people undermines the principles of inclusive development and erodes trust in this process.”
Among those accompanying the villagers was Archbishop Peter Loy Chong, who supported the delegation as they attempted to deliver their petition to key government and diplomatic offices, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu, and the Australian High Commission.
“I am here supporting them with their petition,” Archbishop Chong said. “Protecting their land, their river, plants, and trees, and the people who live along the river—these can be exploited or forgotten in the construction of the dam. Supporting people and caring for creation, for the environment—this is something we should all be concerned with, especially the government.”
The delegation visited various offices in Suva, including TLTB. Opposition MP Jone Usamate personally received their letter outside the Prime Minister’s Office, while another petition was delivered to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) office.
Comments are being sought from stakeholders involved regarding their response to the concerns raised.
