The trial of Freesoul Real Estate Development (Fiji) PTE Ltd has started today before Suva Magistrate, Seini Puamau.
State lawyer Sherlyn Kiran has confirmed that they will be presenting three witnesses while Freesoul lawyer David Toganivalu says they will be presenting seven.
The first state witness Kelera Tokalau is an Environmental Officer based in Namaka, Nadi.
The charges against Freesoul relate to the failure to comply with a Prohibition Notice issued by the Department of Environment in June 2018 and carrying out of resort development activity in Malolo without an approved Environmental Impact Assessment Report.
Under the Environment Management Act 2005, 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.
The trial has been adjourned to tomorrow.
