Businesses oppose plant project
BUSINESSES in the Laucala Beach industrial area are concerned their health certification and accreditation could be affected if the proposed asphalt plant project by Higgins (Fiji) goes ahead.
Pacific Feeds Pte Ltd chief operating officer Anal Prasad said those concerned at the impact of the project had written a petition signed by more than 500 people which was submitted to the Department of Environment.
Mr Prasad said they had no issues with the investment however the site proposed by the company was not the appropriate site for the plant.
“We have food and food packaging companies here that deal with exports and accreditations which could be affected,” he said.
Mr Prasad said companies such as Pacific Feeds had external auditors who come in and inspected their premises, the surroundings and their decisions were based on such factors.
“Their certification is based on such aspects and they issue certification which then allows us to export our products.”
Narseys Plastics Industries Ltd managing director Vinay Narsey said they were pleased with the investment however they believed the chosen site was not right for the project.
Mr Narsey said they were audited by their accredited clients which allowed them to export but if they lose their accreditation and certification then they would lose business and their markets.
According to Mr Narsey there were schools, supermarkets and residents in the area who should also be factored in the consultation process.
Ministry of Waterways and Environment permanent secretary Joshua Wycliffe said any decision made by the Government would be the appropriate decision.
Mr Wycliffe said all the inputs from the investors and the people would be heard and scrutinised by the department before any decision was made on the project.
Meanwhile Argo Environmental Ltd was commissioned by the company to undertake the environment impact assessment and it was revealed at the consultation that if all went well the company planned to complete the project in the first quarter of the year.