The Department of Environment has issued a stop work order to developers of the Great Han Residential Development on Princess Road, Suva.

In a statement issued this morning, the Environment Department said it was made aware on September 5 of the uplifting of the “Stop Work Order” on the development by the Suva City Council (SCC).

In light of this information, the Environment Department said it conducted its own investigation processes and met with the respective parties, to determine whether the uplifting of the stop work order notice was in line with the department’s position.

“It was established that Great Han had not complied with the SCCs uplift decision, which had indicated that Great Han can only proceed if the requirements of the Department of Environment were met as per the Decline decision,” the department statement said.

“Further to that, the Department had undertaken due processes and issued stop work order on 24th September as per Section 43 of the Environment Management Act 2005.”

The Great Han Residential Development issue was first highlighted in 2015 after the cordoned off area raised the ire of nearby residents.

Residents continued to raise their concerns against the development over the years and at a consultation held in October last year attended by Local Government Ministry representatives and developers, they voiced their opposition.

One of the key issues that was highlighted was the alleged absence of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Neighbouring residents formed an organisation called the Tamavua Action Group in a bid to bring a unified voice to the issue.

When Fiji One News contacted Great Han Residential Development this morning, a spokesperson said they could not comment on the stop work order and if the directors would respond, it would be in the form of a statement.