Freesoul Real Estate Development Fined $650,000 For Damaging Fijian Coast

How The Destruction Took Place

Freesoul was on the road to creating the island’s first-ever casino and mega-resort. However, this came at an irreversible cost to the environment. Workers from the company dug a 320 ft. long by 60 ft. wide trench directly through the coral reef surrounding Malolo. This was put in place to allow for boats carrying equipment and building supplies to make their way to the shores.

Furthermore, surrounding mangrove thickets were razed in order to clear a space for the construction. The group showed absolutely no regard for its surroundings, dumping the damaged coral on the beach front of surrounding properties. They also proceeded to dump all human waste produced by their team directly back into the ocean.

According to Justice Daniel Gundar,

Upon review by the court, it was surmised that this environmental violation is second to none in the history of the nation.

The Ramifications Of Freesoul’s Actions

In April this year, the company was found guilty of destruction of the environment and penalized with a fine of $650,000. Furthermore, the group was hit with a $600,000 bond, which will serve to alleviate the damages caused. However, this will be redeemable once the wrongs have been corrected.

However, this is barely enough punishment for what has been done by Freesoul. In an interview with ABC, Stacy Jupiter, director of Wildlife Conservation Society Melanesia, said,

How Three New Zealanders Brought The Construction's Wrongdoings To Light

The story of this abominable construction first came to light in 2019, when three New Zealand journalists were arrested after trying to get an interview with Freesoul president Dickson Peng.

The trio was trying to get an interview with the company president on the questionable actions of his development. They were then arrested and held overnight on the floor of a Fijian police station. They were released the following day and offered an apology by Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama for their abysmal treatment.

Where To From Here for The Freesoul Group

The company naturally plans to continue with its development. However, it will now need to work in. close proximity with the Department of Environment to see how to rectify the mess they have created.

Furthermore, the lawyer for the Freesoul group, David Toganivalu, stated that the company has not yet decided whether or not it will appeal the judgment.

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