Namosi united

November 28, 2012
By MAIKA BOLATIKI

No decision has been reached about mining in Namosi.

This was confirmed yesterday by the spokesperson of the Tikina Namosi Landowners Committee (TNLC) Sipiriano Nariva, during the Namosi Secondary School’s prizegiving ceremony.

“I can confirm to you now that we have not reached a decision on mining to be carried out in Namosi,” Mr Nariva said.

However, he said, they supported the rehabilitation works that had been carried out by the Namosi Joint Venture following exploration work. The Joint Venture, led by Australian Miner Newcrest is looking at a multi – billion dollar copper and gold mine, which will boost both the Namosi and national economies.

When asked why they had not made a decision, Mr Nariva said it was too early.

“We will make a decision when the time is right and we cannot rush as it will affect our future generation.”

He confirmed that they were united in their decision.

The committee, he said, had been mentioned by the Namosi’s paramount chief, Turaga na Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, as having been brainwashed by a non-governmental organisation.

“We wish to clearly state that we were not brainwashed with the negative impacts of mining as claimed by Ratu Suli.

“It is about time we stood up on our two feet and gather information on our own. It was through our struggles and initiative that we were able to provide the current Government with factual information on the impacts of prospecting on our land that initiated the current rehabilitation process in Namosi.”

According to him, the committee is a government-recognised landowners’ representative.

He said it was important to note that the majority of the landowners, especially the elders, had consented to its formation.

He said TNLC was made up of landowners including all (VKB registered individual) females.

Mr Nariva said they supported Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama on Government’s move on mining in Namosi.

The Government has given the green light to the Namosi Joint Venture to restart all activities relating to its special prospecting licence.

These activities include exploration, project studies and Waisoi Project environmental impact assessments until 2015.

In his capacity as manager of Namosi Secondary School, Mr Nariva thanked the prospecting company for providing the school’s dux prize – a laptop.