ENVIRONMENT Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy said his organisation did not conduct environment impact assessments (EIAs), nor did it exist to hinder development.
Speaking in Parliament on Friday last week, he said the Environment Ministry was “not the police”.
He said his ministry was there to promote growth and development, while at the same time ensure that the intention of the legislation was delivered.
Dr Reddy said EIAs were tools used to maintain control and sustainable use of Fiji’s natural resources.
He added that the Environment Ministry was the regulator and as such did not do EIAs.
Dr Reddy said there was a misunderstanding that the ministry conducted EIAs and the issue needed clarification.
The minister said there would be a conflict of interest if the ministry was the regulator and at the same time also undertook EIAs.
He said the ministry had a list of approved EIA consultants that developers could use.
Dr Reddy said the ministry’s role in the process was setting out the terms of reference for the proposed project.
