Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde has sanctioned charges against the Freesoul Real Estate Development (Fiji) PTE Ltd under the Environment Management Act.

The charges relate to the failure of the company to comply with a Prohibition Notice issued by the Waterways and Environment Ministry in June last year.

This also includes the carrying out of development activity without an approved Environmental Impact Assessment Report.

Pryde says they have been working closely with the Ministry of Waterways and Environment to finalize certain outstanding issues.

He adds there is now sufficient evidence to put before the court.

The DPP says they have also been in contact with the police who will be monitoring the situation on Malolo Island whilst the matter proceeds in court.

He adds the offending appears to be ongoing and it’s likely the company and its directors will face further charges.

Under the Environment Management Act, if convicted, the company and its directors face fines of up to $750,000 or a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both.