All inputs to be considered

INPUTS from businesses and residents on the proposed asphalt plant project by Higgins (Fiji) Ltd will be looked into by the Department of Environment before any decision is made on the project.

Businesses and residents of Laucala Beach are opposing the plans to build an asphalt plant in the Laucala Beach industrial area.

While they are happy with the investment they believe that the site is not appropriate for the plant considering the health factors which could affect the existing businesses in the area and the people living in the area.

The first environment impact assessment (EIA) consultation was carried out on December 11 and the second review was called by the Director of Environment to get more feedback from businesses and residents in the area.

Ministry of Waterways and Environment permanent secretary Joshua Wycliffe said before a decision was made on the project, the department would carry out a thorough review of the views that were presented at the consultation on Wednesday.

Concern was also expressed by those at the consultation on the equipment and machine for the plant that was stored at the site in Laucala Beach.

Mr Wycliffe said the Government could not stop a company from storing plant and equipment that were still packaged and not operational, on a land that was leased under their name.

He said until a decision was made by the department of environment on the EIA report and consultations, the company was not meant to operate and if they do then they would be under scrutiny in terms of compliance.

He assured the concerned businesses and residents that there would be no lapse from the department's side.