TNG Holdings Appeals Rejection of $1.4B Vuda Point Project

The Next Generation Holdings (Fiji) Pte Limited (TNG) has appealed the Department of Environment’s decision to reject its proposal for a $1.4 billion waste-to-energy plant at Vuda Point. The appeal was filed before the Environment Tribunal, presided over by Magistrate Charles Ratakele.

TNG's counsel, Feizal Haniff, stated that the appeal challenges the Director of Environment's decision on seven grounds, including the alleged wrongful conclusion that additional information submitted after the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report could not be considered. TNG argues that the Director failed to consider their written responses provided following the Technical Review Committee meeting on May 26 before making the decision on June 4.

The company contends that the review process was procedurally unfair, citing insufficient time to respond to technical questions and the withholding of important adverse material relied upon by the Department. TNG alleges that the legal, procedural, and factual errors were material and argues that had these errors not occurred, a different decision would likely have been reached.

The matter has been adjourned to August 13 for further proceedings.