Fiji’s Assistant Foreign Minister and National Federation Party (NFP) MP Lenora Qereqeretabua has publicly opposed the proposed Energy-to-Waste (ETW) project in Saweni, Vuda, warning it could breach Fiji’s long-standing environmental commitments under regional law.
In a blunt social media statement, Qereqeretabua said she was prepared to risk her position over the issue.
“At the cost of my job, and with no support from my party, I oppose the EtW proposed Saweni project.”
She cited Fiji’s obligations under the Waigani Convention, warning the country must not backtrack on its commitments.
“The Waigani Convention is clear: Fiji agreed not to become a dumping ground for hazardous waste and to manage its own waste within its borders. We are bound to uphold that principle in both law and intent.”
Qereqeretabua said Fiji’s commitment to the convention dates back decades and should not be ignored.
“Fiji signed the Waigani Convention in 1995 and ratified it in April 1996, becoming legally bound by its provisions well before it entered into force in 2001.”
“The Convention was established to protect the Pacific region from the dumping and movement of hazardous and radioactive waste. These dates matter because they reflect a long-standing commitment by Fiji to uphold strong environmental safeguards and regional responsibility.”
She warned that any large-scale waste project must be assessed against those obligations.
“Any current development that involves large-scale waste processing must be measured against these obligations, not treated as optional or outdated.”
The Assistant Minister also raised concerns about transparency around the project.
“My input to the propsed Waste to Energy facility in Saweni which…. I have to ask. Builders already identified?
Her comments highlight growing scrutiny over the proposed project and raise questions about how Fiji balances waste management needs with its regional environmental commitments.
The Waigani agreement was signed by current Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and remains binding
Meanwhile, the National Federation Party has clarified its position on the proposed waste-to-energy project in Vuda-Saweni following public opposition from deputy Speaker and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua.
In a statement to The Fiji Times, party leader Biman Prasad said the Government has not granted formal approval for the project.
“The party stance is as follows. The Government has not given formal approval as clearly stated by the Prime Minister,” Prasad said.
He added that both the Minister for Lands and the Minister for Environment had confirmed that key processes, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and land acquisition matters, would be addressed through proper procedures.
“Government has already acknowledged issues raised during consultation and it is not going to ignore these concerns from different stakeholders,” he said.
Prasad said it would be premature to assume the project would proceed.
“It is inappropriate for us to assume that the project is going ahead,” he said.
While acknowledging that Members of Parliament are free to express their views, he emphasised the importance of adhering to party processes and protocols.
“Members of Parliament are free to articulate their views but there are also established processes and protocols, especially when you are part of a party in Government,” he said.
Prasad said the party would continue to take a measured approach on national issues.
“As a party, we have always taken a considered view of national issues of concern and we will continue to do that,” he added.
He also welcomed public engagement on the issue, noting that consultations had generated valuable feedback.
“It is a good thing that people… have been able to highlight their concerns and some have provided really good analysis,” he said.
Addressing references to the Waigani Convention, Prof Prasad noted that the agreement specifically relates to hazardous and nuclear waste.
The statement comes amid ongoing public debate over the proposed facility, with stakeholders continuing to raise environmental and governance concerns.
