Concerns on Development Effects
Keep in mind the kind of development you do in future so that there is something to show to the tourists. Nukubati Island Resort manager Lara Vokai said this during an Investment Fiji business forum where Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica were the chief guests.
It took place at Northwinds Hotel in Labasa on Monday night. Ms Vokai said: “We need development in Labasa but I would really love to see any development to be done in a green and sustainable way.
“For us living out in the islands, we see all negative effects of the Labasa development such as rubbish.”
Negative effects of developments
Ms Vokai told the forum that her husband, who was from Mali Island, shared to her that the whole coral reef system was lost due to the slit from Labasa River. “Mali Island is closer to the mouth of Labasa River and he told me that the reef that he used to fish on during his childhood disappeared,” she said.
“He said now if you reach right down to the slit up to your shoulder, you can feel the coral.”
Nukubati Island is situated on the Great Sea Reef, off the North Coast of the island of Vanua Levu, Fiji. She said now they can’t take tourists out to dive in the great sea reef. “The reef on the border of Macuata and Bua is completely covered with brown algae from the bauxite mine,” she said.
“If you want tourists to come, you need to look at eco-tourism when talking about development in Labasa.
“Otherwise no tourists will come because there won’t be anything to show.”