Tense discussions at proposed Namosi Hydro Dam consultations [12-Mar-2019]

There was tense discussions during a public consultation in Suva on the proposed construction of a hydro dam in Namosi.
This comes after Hydro Fiji proposed to build the dam on the land owned by the villagers of Waini-koroiluva, Waini-kovu and Waivaka in Namosi, and submitted the Environmental Impact Assessment Report to the Department of Environment for the proposed development.
Story: fijivillage.com...

[@tyevola8584]

The govt already gave the thumbs up. Without consulting the landowners, this is the result. No wonder the landowners are stressed and disagree with the project.

[@6VITU9]

Landowners in Fiji should be strong like this. Every itaukei landowners should be strong.

[@kvt9788]

This is the kind of difficult conversations we need to have. Hats off to the locals that stood up for themselves 🙌🏾

[@utahi404]

I'm so proud of 🇫🇯 for standing up. Much Alofa 🇼🇸

[@tanielanavuku5837]

We must fight for what our God has given us.Thank you

[@buzzlightyear9527]

The presenter.was very brave. Landowners concerns stems from poor consultation and approval process by Govt. Consent should be 80% with the final approval from the head of mataqali and chief.

[@edwardali4545]

Kaca na vatu....dooohoo

[@viliamekauwale3381]

Fuck the presenter eat them alice and bake them and eat them

[@duaruatolu9248]

Why aren't govt reps at this meeting? Why aren't provincial councillors present too? How is it that a foreign entity bargains with the landowners directly? Loloma sara the degree of knowledge shown by the village elder(s), but this is not the best way forward ... I only see bitterness shown by the landowners and ultimately disappointment shown by the investors. Of course, if Fiji were to really benefit from such a scheme, then the country is set to lose. I side with the landowners that such a development will have environmental effects to the way the villagers live their lives. NO DOUBT. Namosi is such as beautiful place (happened to climb one of the mist-covered mountains there and bathe in the running stream flowing past the village). DON'T SPOIL THE NATURAL BEAUTY, KEREKERE.

[@lawkid5098]

Look at what happened to the nadarivatu hydro scheme. What they did was divert the Sigatoka river to generate electricity at the other side of the south ridge and out into the Ba river, this directly affect the water at the sigatoka itself thus affecting water resources to the people downstream of the sigatoka who rely upon it

[@joelisrael6040]

set up a company and demand for 50% share of ownership of the dam. Good project for future generation. Landowners need someone to direct them.

[@korro5870]

They didnt even consult the land owners and they have already obtained the consent of the provincial council. The first Dam project in Fiji land owners is among the poorest in Fiji because of the almost 50 millions of cpmpensation awarded, they have not even receive 1 million. More than 15 years down the road, land owners are still struggling to at least get a response on where have all the monies gone to.

[@billgauna9113]

These investors should not be the ones who consult with the landowners, they are in dangerous territory.

[@nightrider8950]

Exactly

[@sepesadaunitoko3805]

Vinaka landowners....better have solar power than giving up the source of food and life for your future generation....kick them out...e da sa mai vakaloloma vei ira na mataqali qo.....

[@nacanielitabua3143]

These investors need to know the culture and tradition of the the land. You can't just come and assert you decisions onto us.Feasibility studies must be done....Consultations with the vanua must be done....Traditional approval seeking must be done...proper consensus must be done amongst the members of the landowning units...IF NOT, YOU SHOULD EXPECT a backlash...These rivers and and stream are also lifelines of the villages as its life is mostly of subsistance nature....

[@esthermacgoon6091]

Good luck namosi fight for your rights

[@nuthinleicadane]

That's typical of this Government. Force on people development without proper consultation. So much for saying iTaukei land is safe.

[@jamesjasonmorrell2404]

Vinaka Namosi... Nanumi ira na muri jiko mai.. ✔️

[@kipit1005]

This is what happens when you put you land in the Governments Land Bank. Landowners are oblivious to any changes made on their land.

[@fijianz1]

Never give up what you have till you know facts and agree. then theres the question of ongoing compensation

[@korro5870]

Dou bula na wekaqu mai Namosi - Veidigidigi ena 2022 Da digidigi vinaka ena vukudra na noda kawa ni mataka. Sega ni dodonu me dua na I Taukei ni qele mai Viti me va qo - a ra wele tu ga sa lai vakadonui na nodratou qele me lai tara kina e dua na Project

[@gabrielsamson8142]

Chinese leadership style corrupting the Fiji First Government now. Landowners and Fijians, do not be intimidated by anyone who wants to be wise to bulldoze you how and what to do with your land. Think carefully and do not regret it later. Your tribal group and your family now and the future, your land bring wealth to your people.

[@sefotaqiri7427]

Run for your life 😂😂😂😂

[@John-ww3ji]

Sa donu vinaka. Ask the questions prior to implementation. Consultation is the only best way forward. Map out the Advantages and disadvantages to the People, the environment and Natural resources first. Making a Profit and creating wealth should be the last topic of discussions. As it is written dearly beloveds the Love of money is the root of all evil and wickedness. More planning prior to implementing. Have 7 phases of the projects laid out with the cost of each phase. Prayers and thoughts for a Blessed Fiji Islands. As we speak the Euphrates River is drying up. Bible prophecy is unfolding before our very eyes as it is written. Read the Book of Revelation chapter 16 :11 - 17 Bible prophecy is unfolding before our very eyes. 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🙏🙌🏝️😍😇🌱⛰️

[@haemonihiagi3737]

Kick them out......

[@MrKatonivere]

Do what is Good for the People, what about if the land is list out on Land Bank, will you still going ahead with the project ? and safety for all A to Z

[@korro5870]

If it is on Land Bank, that is the bait thats used to attract investors because it gives them the guarantee that they will be protected by the government. Through land bank, ITLB can lease out the land if it has not been used for years and the vacant land attracts an investor. The only way I Taukei can protecf their land is to Lease their own Land. They become lessee and lessor to legalise their status quo on both sides. Is it allowed. Yes it is. When I Taukei or Mataqali lease the land again, Mataqali can have the ULTIMATE RIGHT & BENEFIT OF choosing who they want to pull to invest on their land. They can choose and dictate the entire project. TLTB, Annual Lease sa vaka ga na i sau ni PINATI... Project owners & Govt rake in millions and millions of dollars sa da qai wasea tiko na taukei ni qele na $10,000. Just look at the staffs of TLTB, na levu ni staff kei na i sau ra taura tu and compare those salary to the CUSTOM LAND OWNERS annual lease received . In the South Pacific, I Taukei Land Owners in Fiji are the Poorest land owners . Sa i cavai soti na veivakalolomataki.

[@onisivororawaduva9639]

Wananavi Namosi. Vei koya e vaisala tiko ya, E kuvai drau cou?

[@viliamekauwale3381]

Consult the land owner

[@benwain8598]

Wananavu Viti wananavu ni kua ni vamalumalumu vei ira qori.Na nodra veivoli vataga ya caka ena gauna I liu nodra lawaki taki keda ena voli dua na tki ni qele veisau vata kei dua na tobacco etc era cakava qori.Research taka na vanua e lako mai kina na tamata qori oni na qai raica ni o ira qori na kai valagi e sega na nodra qele.Vinaka Namosi.Ni oti ga na bose qori era na lai bose tale na kaivalagi qori mera vasaqara e dua na gaunisala mera lawaki taki kemuni kina.Ni kidava tiko ka mera vakavulici na gone me kakua vakadua ni da solia se volitaka na noda qele vei dua ia ke sega era na sega na nodra qele oira na noda kawa ni mataka me vakai ira na kai valagi e na gauna nikua ni sa sega tu na nodra qele .Qo dua na kena example.....E kai vei e kai Merika but e sega ni dua tu na qele e a biu tu mai veira na nona qase me nona kei ira na nona kawa...... we are so blessed o gone ni vei au gone ni eg Namosi oratou na qase eratou biuta tu e dua na qele me nona kei na nona kawa ni mataka.Thats the difference.Ni maroroya ka taura matua tiko na nomuni qele.Vinaka.

[@arthurboiiimona103]

Benefits of the project is one thing. The landowners are worried more about the environmental issues it can cause and also how it may affect their way of life. The river could be there source of food (protein), drinking water and stay even used for washing. Plus, the fact that the landowners weren't even notified at the beginning is just plain bullshit. Might as well carry your project and go do it in your backyard.

[@patrickmadhavan7154]

very true, this govt plays too many games with smoke and mirrors, and when the project has adverse side effects the bastards will blame climate change.......

[@sbrother176]

No consultation with landowners, no project.

[@juniorsovea731]

Bula vinaka Viti laurai vinaka ni ra sega ni talai taka taukei ni vanua o Namosi itaukei ni kanakana na vei talanoa e caka kerekere vei kemuni itaukei (vola kawabula) kei Namosi meda dau lako vaka levu kina bose vaka bibi na E.I.A me dau rogoci na nomoni mosoni baleti ira kawa vinaka kei Namosi au vaka vinavinaka vei kemudou tiko ena bose vaka bibi vei kemudou na vosa tiko qaqa (Hero )au rogoca tiko na Monasavu na leqa levu e tu mai Monasavu mai gauna balavu eqai mai rawata Sireli Fa e tu evei tltb dodonu gusuda nai taukei ni qele lisi tu evei na vale ni volavola ni yasana me yaga na soli ni yasana vinaka cake tale eso na NGO me vakai mr Dick mai na maraqeti viti au raica ni tiko talega ena bose.Na TLTB kei na vale volavola ni yasana erau vaka volavola ni environment dodonu mera dau dabe kei keda na gauna ni bose qai sega era dau dabe kei ira via mai caka bisinisi vaka na middle man (sila tagane) moce VITI.

[@peninasemira3570]

There is nuclear power plant too

[@korro5870]

Thats right... Sa via lai vaduri tiko i Koro Island na Nuclear Power Plant me ra sa tokitaki i Rotuma na lewe ni yanuyanu. Ya na i naki ni oti na cagilaba o Winston qai leqa ni ra vakacokotaki ira totolo na lewe ni yanuyanu.

[@peteronauqe7238]

Its typical of this pathetic govt.. they never consult the landowners; they think they a so high and mighty and they know everything.

[@orzyrok6849]

The nuclear power plant, if its true, is the demolishment of our whole Fiji group . Fiji is prone to natural disasters mostly hurricane, torrential rain, flood, tsunami, earthquake, etc. A mistake is costly not only to the environment, govt and the ppl but to the generation that followed. Not a good idea. Monasavu dam is ideal. Wind and solar are good alternatives but not a nuclear power plant for our tiny Fiji.

[@svenseru4949]

Why their was no consultation with the land owner's?

[@millzuk5228]

Hahahaii uuwwiii vinka Namosi

[@FloWVaka]

sa bou luva madaga na i sala...tsk..tsk..tsk where is the itovo??

[@SuperKaiwai]

This hard fought battle of land owners to preserve what’s rightfully theirs, only will be thrown away by future generations when money is flashed at them Vinaka mataqali

[@tefillah7450]

Both parties confused who's responsible here?

[@patrickmadhavan7154]

take a guess

[@iyojacko]

Tou va io se sega....noda vanua sa vesu tu ena dinau...Dua nai yau ratou sa raica jiko na investors qori,sa va io oti tu na lawa...

[@kokanejadaflysnukaz1440]

They are capitalizing on our resources.

[@filipeturagabeci4018]

Dramatic scene😮

[@kalpanarao7422]

God bless you with ur land, n keep on going backwards, if a project is on ur land, first u will be paid leases which u like the most, getting the royalty every year, with power new businesses will start, ur house will have power of see rugby, n no one can guarantee of mother nature like hurricane earthquakes etc., n in the last days what's jesus said with happen, n if u say this is my land than what belongs to God, didn't God bless with the land etc., jesus bless n protect u all n make a decision for the betterment of fiji, God bless fiji, love you all.

[@alaniseniceva9767]

Ohh no land

[@jonevaubula3852]

The main objective of discussion is consultation with landowners disregarding third parties. Don't try to skip the main theme and rely on irrelevant and unsubstantiated allegations designed to win points

[@jone1852]

Vinaka namosi

[@jean70242]

That is the problem when foreigners come in to do development and consult with the wrong people. These foreigners don't know how our custom and traditions link us the to the nature from the air above to the water below.

[@abracadabra6417]

Kwacaaaaaaaa na vatuuuuuuu

[@alesiyawa1301]

🙏

[@pitarawaibula9877]

Corruption Sa sivia

[@edwardali4545]

Kaca na vatu

[@juniorsovea731]

Bula vinaka Namosi kaca na vatu me ra lauviri ena vatu.

[@parasram7692]

The landowners should keep their land and let big bush grow on them. They should not let any developments take place on their land. It is their land. They have the right to make a decision on their land. Let the land lay idle. It is their choice. All Indo-Fijians should vacate Fiji and look for greener pastures overseas. The iTaukaei do not want you in Fiji. Give the iTaukei an opportunity to progress for themselves. I know that deep inside their (i Taukei) hearts, they do not like Indo-Fijians. God bless Fiji.

[@silentkvt666]

Many more foreigners are willing to take your place to settel here if all indo fijians vacate Fiji. A fair deal is all what landowners want if their land is given for any project. Just look at houses in Suva owned by indians are rented 400 to 1k per month.While landowners give their land at a cheap price to resettle Indian farmers and poor Indians. Try going to Real Estate companies owned by majority Indians and ask them if they can give you land for only $5k or 10k,I doubt you will get it.

[@jonvhaks5183]

You take advantage of us thas why most of you are successful. If we had been properly consulted from the beginning of your arrival, you will be still running n staying on your lane.. Now we maturing n realising but it's a lil bit too late but we don't mind. FYI we don't need you now and you are most welcome to leave..

[@AuntieQueen84092]

And yes I aIy

[@veerbhadra1912]

The land owners should be paid well simple

[@johnknox677]

Its not about money,it is about the need to have proper consultation before the commencement of the project.Money comes later.

[@yrrekateigirkoroi209]

Mind your own affairs.

[@anitpuran7235]

Haha my land my land lala land

[@dancecathedral]

All native Fijian under the sun take note...either you assist us to retain our real estate...native land....or be classified as our enemy ....Either way we will take back our lands and remove constitution that violates our rights of consent

[@marcoemerson993]

This is why one should never, EVER invest in Fiji. The problem is that the Aborigines/natives claim ownership over all the land in Fiji and they also want to claim ownership of rivers and the sea. Even if the land is completely uninhabited and has never been visited, the nearest tribe, even if they are 100km away will claim it's theirs. Once you spend money and build whatever it is you are building, your lease will not be extended and the natives will even claim ownership of your buildings.

[@marcoemerson993]

@3335AO What did you not understand?

[@davidrounds8912]

@@marcoemerson993 Sir if this was a case of a land or property that you owned where illegal squatters came in and declared ownership of your house or land you would be furious and demanded that your rights and ownership be restored. Irrespective of how long the land has been unihabiitted or unintended to, the rights of that land belong to the original owners. Your Law may differ to this case cause the land belongs to the itaukaei and it's their right to govern what happens to it. Development or not, let the owners sit in on meetings to secure future investment for their next generation. It's not about being greedy but now days nothings comes for free. Some land in Fiji were either traded at a very low cost or seized by the British during the early days of Fiji but now that we have a voice of our own to be upfront and speak our minds we are considered as "hindering development" We welcome development but that does not mean that we will give up willingly what we rightfully own to major corporations just for the sack of the government getting in good books with foreign investors. The Native Americans have lost majority of their so called lands, the Australian Aboriginal people have lost not only lands but children (search up the documentary) developments in china have seen alot villages that were dependent on the river be relocated to make way for dams. Like I said, it is good for development but bring yourself down to the level of the people that live of that source of life or income that you are trying to cut out or redirect before going through with plans. The government is their to govern but at the end of the day, the natives are the ones that need to be consulted. Please know that this is no way an attack on you sir but Merely a response to your response (an open dialogue if you will). Bula and God bless you.

[@marcoemerson993]

@@davidrounds8912 1. No land or natural resources have ever been illegally expropriated from tribal Fijians. Its a lie to claim otherwise. This was confirmed in the 1960s via the resolution of the Burns Commission (look it up). The tribal Fijians then made the same claim and the colonial government set up the Burns Commission to look into it. The fact that land was bought for cheap in the 1800s does equate it to being stolen. It does not mean that if I buy a house and land from you at today's fair market price for 500k, then 200 years later your descendants have the right to complain that I should have paid 5 million for it! You are a sore loser if you complain about low cost. A transaction is a transaction if it is done out of one's own volition. 2. There are many cases even in the last few years which show that Fijian gave and still give land willingly, even without the recipient asking for it! Check out these articles that prove this. First, the government gave land to a British rugby coach for winning the 2016 rugby matches [1]. They did the same last year with another British coach for the 2020 Olympics [2].There is no evidence that these men asked for land. It was given to them.And then 200 years from now your people will again whine and complain that the land was stolen. . [1] www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/312074/ben-ryan-given-land-in-fiji [2] www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/parliament/government-offers-baber-land-for-gold-win/ 3. Its not just for winning gold at the Olympics. I will repeat from my own experience that the Fijians are too lazy to work their own land. Instead, they want others to work on their land! You can read this in [3] where Fijians, once they saw how hardworking a foreigner was, offered to give her land without an official lease to plant their native crop instead of doing it themselves! "But we had faith and trust in the Fijian people that offered us our first block of land. I’ll admit that this was risky and we were un­comfortable not having an official lease" [3] fijisun.com.fj/2020/01/08/you-only-reap-what-you-sow-now-lyndy-simpson/ Again in [4], it shows that people are actively looking for foriegners to come and plant on land (last sentence of first letter) [4] www.fijitimes.com/letters-to-the-editor-sunday-november-14-2021/ In [5], even the PM is blaming foreigners for not investing in Fiji more. This tells you a lot. Instead of blaming lazy landowners for not working their land, the PM is blaming foreigners who have no connection or obligation to the land.for not developing land. Such is their mindset! [5] www.rnz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/201827738/fiji-govt-hits-back-at-foreign-landowners 4. Finally, lets say for arguments sake that you are right and Fijians want to preserve land for themselves. They why the hell are they trying so hard to stay in the UK then, huh? There are multiple cases of them resorting to crime or violence while in the UK and when the home office wants to deport them, they fight tooth and nail wasting our taxpayer money wanting to stay here. Why don't they go back?? Its just a case of being greedy.You don't want others to come to your country and buy land but at the same time you do not hesitate to move to the UK and enjoy our property ownership laws! In the most recent case, a Fijian woman killed her newborn baby and disposed of the corpse just because she wanted to apply for a visa to remain in the UK with her current children and having the new baby would mean exceeding the quota allowed for children included in the visa application: www.fijitimes.com/fijian-british-armys-wife-fronts-uk-court-on-charges-of-infanticide-and-murder/ That is just despicable.. I will repeat again to any foreigners reading this. You are only welcome in Fiji for your money. As soon as you have invested your hard-earned money, the people and the government will invent reasons for taking over your properties.Fijians will claim ownership of mountains and rivers and even the ocean that in all other countries of the world only the state can own. Take heed of what foreigners like me and others have suffered and have to say, learn from our mistakes: www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/319703/expat-landowners-say-fiji-law-racist For foreigners that do decide to invest in Fiji, they have to note that arson is a common tool used by Fijians. I will write more on this and give specific incidents as proof if someone wants it.

[@koicolokwadjina1798]

Investors or thieves @Marco Emerson ? The reason that the African continent is the richest in the World yet millions are dying because of poverty. The Maoris, Aborigines, Hawaiians, Tahitians, Marshall Islanders are still crying to this day if they are ever going to get back what that was stolen from them. If I was to remind you Mr Emerson it is our Land and that includes rivers and the seas that surrounds it. Every human being is an indigenous to a God given Land. Why are you so interested in the Pacific ? France has tested Nuclear Weapons. Britain has confiscated Aotearoa and stole a Generation of humans and renamed it Australia. The Americans have confiscated Guam and Hawaii. Marshall Islands is a graveyard after INVESTORS removed minerals for fertilizers. I can educate you Mr Emerson for more info if you are unaware or pure ignorant. I will finish this statement as a word of advice to you Mr Emerson, with what the Late Zimbabwen President Mr Robert Mugabe (R.I.P) told former UK PM Mr Tony Blair " Let me keep my Zimbabwe and you keep your England." I WANT TO KEEP MY FIJI. #Fiji_First #Koicolo #First_Tribe

[@netlomani1661]

Mr Marco, they have served to protect UK freedom and they aren’t allowed to stay? It’s not only the Fijian soldiers that are breaking the Law in the UK. Even if they break it, so what? They deserve to stay in the UK, because they have sacrificed there life for Queen & country. It’s ok for the British to go around the world and rob other countries of there resources, but it’s not right for them to come to the UK and use there resources. If the USA and Aussie issue there soldiers citizenship for free, but UK will make you pay.even when you go to war for the UK, they still tax you.What goes around comes around.

[@pauliasikuruyawa6023]

Vinaka namosi