The Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) is conducting an environmental assessment after reports of dead fish and marine life near Tanoliu village on North West Efate, as developers behind the proposed Lapita Estate marina project deny any connection to the incident.
Community members raised concerns last week after dead fish were reportedly seen floating near the project area, prompting authorities to investigate possible environmental impacts.
Chief Kalkaua Laumanu said this raises questions on the people’s future as they depend entirely on the marine resources, for daily sustainance, school fees and more.
DEPC said that while the assessment is ongoing, the public should understand that any approved development activity will have some level of environmental impact, though such impacts are generally short-term.
The Department said marine species and other wildlife have adaptive capacity, allowing them to adjust to temporary environmental changes.
DEPC also confirmed that the permit issued to the developer includes specific adaptation measures, including the establishment of nurseries, as part of agreed conditions aimed at maintaining coastal stability.
In response to the concerns raised, and on behalf of the developers, Tal Milfirer said in a statement that there was no evidence linking the fish deaths to their activities and questioned the credibility of material circulating publicly.
“We have seen no evidence supporting the allegations being circulated,” the developers said in a statement.
“The photographs reportedly provided to the newspaper contain no indication of when or where they were taken, and therefore cannot be relied upon as proof of any connection to our project.”
The developers said they carry out regular monitoring of nearby waterways and have not detected any environmental harm.
“Our team conducts ongoing monitoring of the waterways surrounding the site, and at no time have we observed pollution, fish mortality, or any other environmental disturbance,” the statement said.
They stressed that all current works are limited to land-based activities and do not involve the marine environment.
“All activities are land-based subdivision works only. We are not conducting any works in the water, nor are we burning swamp areas, as has been alleged,” the developers said.
“Every activity undertaken on site is being carried out strictly under the permits and approvals already issued by the relevant authorities.”
Milfirer said that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is currently under review that applies specifically to the marina component of the project, which has not yet commenced.
They added that once the Department completes its review, the project would move to a public consultation phase in line with national requirements.
Addressing ongoing opposition to the project, the developers said objections were continuing despite formal processes having already been completed.
“We acknowledge that certain individuals continue to raise objections to the development after having exhausted all formal and legal avenues available to them,” the statement said.
The developers also warned against the spread of unverified claims while the Department’s assessment is ongoing.
“It is regrettable that unverified allegations are again being circulated through media outlets and social media platforms,” they said.
“The publication of allegations presented as facts without verification or confirmation from the competent authorities may constitute defamation under the laws of Vanuatu.”
They said they reserved their legal rights to seek redress for any damage caused by false or misleading reporting, and urged the public to rely on verified information as the Department completes its assessment.
