FIJI (CU)_Residents of the Fijian town of Lami are alarmed by the construction of an Australian-funded defense facility in a residential area. They claim they weren’t consulted and are worried about the base’s proximity to their homes.
However, with the $83 million multipurpose maritime facility’s construction set to begin this week, things are about to change.
The Maritime Essential Services Centre (MESC), which will act as a staging center for training, security, and rescue operations, aims to improve Fiji’s navy capabilities.
The project, which is scheduled to be finished by 2024, has been dubbed a “crucial pulse point” to monitor Fiji’s seas and “protect our blue economy from internal and external threats” by Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama of Fiji.
However, it is facing opposition from certain locals in the town outside of Suva, the capital, who don’t want the military installation next to their houses.
They have expressed their displeasure that the building is situated in the center of a neighborhood out of concern that it will endanger the local populace.
Donato, a Lami native who both resides and works there, expressed the disappointment of the neighborhood.
“It’s a good idea, but it’s the location I disagree with,” he told ABC’s Pacific Beat program.
He and other residents have also raised concerns about safety, saying it may put the town exposed to any confrontations in the vicinity.
“In terms of an emergency or war, the problem will be the citizens could be a casualty if the naval base is targeted,” Donato said.
“In my opinion, it would be better to relocate it away from a residential zone so it does not camouflage among the citizens of the country.”
The structure will house the hydrographic office, maritime surveillance coordination center, Suva Coastal radio station, and the naval headquarters of Fiji. It will have sealed access roads and on-site housing.
