Monday, February 8, 2010

Second meet discusses resort' beachfront works

Fiji Times - Tuesday, February 09, 2010

A SECOND environmental impact assessment meeting was held last week to discuss further development plans by the Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji.

The meeting was called by Environment Consultants Fiji Ltd who were hired by the resort to conduct the assessment based on the proposed development.

The development involves reclamation and foreshore works in front of the Outrigger beach which is expected to deepen the swimming area and improve water quality at the beachfront.

About 15 people, including the Coral Coast Chapter Committee chairman Bob Kennedy attended the meeting to raise their concerns.

"When we talk about the reef, we talk about somebody's qoliqoli. The meeting was not conclusive and we have to wait and see what happens because of the qoliqoli issues. The community is very concerned and some feel it might not be a very good idea but we have to wait and see what the EIA says," said Mr Kennedy.

Those at the meeting were told that additional works for the proposal would involve defining a river channel to allow for floods and flow from the Tubakula Creek to be directed offshore, beach enhancement, construction of a groyne or a barrier to control erosion and possibly, the construction of a small island connected to the Outrigger resort by a bridge.

Another matter raised at the meeting was if the new development would create jobs for school leavers in the area.

Participants were encouraged to make their submissions on the proposal to the environmental consultants.

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