Construction is underway on a multi-million-dollar Fiji maritime facility funded by the Australian government, but locals in the town of Lami say they weren't consulted and worry about the naval base being so close to their homes.
Residents in the town of Lami, in Fiji, are concerned about an Australian-funded defence facility being constructed in a residential area, saying they were not consulted and are worried about the base being located so close to their homes.
The project — which is due to be completed by 2024 — has been described by Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama as a "crucial pulse point" to monitor Fiji's waters and "secure our blue economy from internal and external threats". He and other residents have also raised concerns about safety, saying it could make the town vulnerable to possible conflicts in the region.
The building will house Fiji's naval headquarters, the Suva Coastal radio station, as well as the country's maritime surveillance coordination centre, and hydrographic office.Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended a launch of the project when he visited Fiji in July.Donato's concerns were shared by a local teacher, who wanted to remain anonymous, who said there had been little consultation with the community around the project.
Local media reports in recent weeks also highlighted the residents' issues, claiming they were kept in the dark about the plans.
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