Dreketi River dredging halts

Fiji’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change’s Department of Environment said that a multi-stakeholder meeting was convened at the Office of the Commissioner, Northern Division, yesterday to address issues arising from the proposed dredging works along the Dreketi River in Macuata by Houyilin Wood (Fiji) Pte Limited.

Discussions focused on consent processes, customary authority, and compliance with regulatory requirements. It was confirmed that Yavusa Nabekavu also holds customary fishing rights over the iQoliqoli.

The required Fishing Waiver process, including mandatory consultations to secure free, prior and informed consent, was not properly undertaken. This has resulted in a compliance gap within the approval framework, the Ministry said in its latest announcement.

To address this, a Government team comprising the Macuata Provincial Office, the Lands Department, and the Office of the Commissioner Northern Division will undertake a formal engagement process with Yavusa Nabekavu, including a traditional apology.

Also, the Director of Lands will be formally engaged to determine the way forward regarding the missing signatories and the validity of the Fishing Waiver.

Pending resolution of these matters, the Department has directed that all dredging works be suspended with immediate effect. The project proponent has acknowledged this directive and confirmed that operations have ceased.