Mr Wycliffe was aware that there was a particular saw-miller who wanted a meeting with Sandeep Singh, Director for Environment.
Joshua Wycliffe (left), answers questions from Richard Du, Gold Hold Investments Sawmill Owner, during the Environment Impact Assessments (EIA), clinic in Labasa on Feb 8, 2022.
Photo: Sampras Anand
Joshua Wycliffe, Permanent Secretary for Environment has clarified that the Environment Impact Assessment is not an additional requirement that sawmill companies and loggers must adhere to before commercial logging.
He was part of Tuesday’s first EIA clinic in Labasa.
This was in response to concerns raised by a sawmill business in the Northern Division. They claimed that the EIA process was time-consuming and that any amendments or changes made by the EIA process were not consulted with the relevant stakeholders.
Wycliffe confirmed there were no pending or delayed applications from sawmillers regarding this matter.
He stated that the law has been in effect since 2005. He warned sawmill companies that if they don’t follow this legislation, it is a clear breach.
Mr Wycliffe knew of a saw-miller who wanted to meet with the Director for Environment, Sandeep Singh to suit his agenda.
We did meet with the saw-millers. However, I believe one saw-miller tried to gather all the saw-millers to meet with the Director. Our department was open to this and he agreed to it.
However, Wycliffe stated that the sawmillers preferred to meet individually with the Director to discuss and answer their queries.
Jay Kumar, Jaydils Logging PTE Limited managing Director, felt that the EIA clinic was an enjoyable meeting, which he greatly appreciated.
According to Mr Kumar, all their concerns regarding processing their EIA applications for screening were addressed during the meeting.
He said that we would receive an update on our application within the next two-five day.
Richard Du, saw-mill owner at Gold Hold Investments, stated that the meeting solved all of his problems with the EIA process.
Mr Du praised the Department’s support for the North’s economy.
