The Namosi Landowners Committee, Lomani Au Maroroi Au, has expressed openness to sustainable development provided landowners are fully consulted.

Committee Chairman Sipiriano Nariva emphasized that continuing the projects without consultation would be disrespectful to the traditional protocols and values ​​of the landowners.

Nariva says traditional customs impose certain rules and regulations that must be followed, underlining that bypassing landowners means ignoring these norms.

“This is our home and we cannot give it away for development, so it is very important that developers follow the right channel. Development is OK; the problem is the lack of consultation.”

The committee committed to persistently engage with relevant ministries and authorities to ensure that developers follow appropriate procedures.

Currently, Navunikabi village in Namosi is strongly opposing the construction of three hydroelectric dams located just 1 kilometer away. Villagers fear that the dams will cause floods and pose a significant risk to their well-being and that of future generations.

Meanwhile, a recent statement by Electricity Fiji Limited confirmed that the Namosi hydropower scheme is currently being investigated, where a feasibility study will determine the next steps.