State witnesses tell total cost of restoration at Malolo Island could cost $830,000 to $2.38 million

State witnesses tell total cost of restoration at Malolo Island could cost $830,000 to $2.38 million

By Rashika Kumar
Tuesday 01/03/2022
Structural engineer Roveen Permal and marine ecology consultant Helen Skyes

The witnesses in the sentence hearing of Freesoul Limited say the cost of restoration of the dug up channel and removal of the boardwalk on Malolo Island could cost $830,000 to $2.38 million while the total cost of restoration of the marine life that was lost would be about $239,000.

Prosecution witness and structural engineer Roveen Permal told the court that there are two options for restoring the area that was damaged by Freesoul where one option would be for the reinstatement of the channel by filling it up with sand costing $2.38 million.

Permal says the other option would be to stabilise the dug up channel by placing boulders around it which would cost about $830,000.

He says although he is not an expert in coastal civil engineering, filling up the channel will not be feasible as the area already has marine life.

While responding to questions by Freesoul lawyer, David Toganivalu, Permal says these are rough estimates for labour and material as he has not been to the area for about 3 or 4 years.

The second witness and marine ecology consultant, Helen Skyes says about 5,700 to 6,700 mangrove plants, 2.5 hectares of coral and 6.4 hectares of sea-grass were damaged.

The sentence hearing will continue on 28th March.

Credit Corp Fiji Care
Credit Corp Fiji Care
FEATURE NEWS
LATEST NEWS
Tanoa Hotel Group and NZ students plant 600 mangroves at Taiperia, Lautoka
To combat the ongoing effects of climate change and the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Tanoa Hotel Group and 16 ...
84 days ago

Ovalau family to celebrate Easter reminiscing the hard work and dedication of their late son
The Boleilovoni family will have a celebration this Easter at their home in Lovoni Village, Ovalau, celebrating their late son Joseph Rymell ...
84 days ago

Expect a rainy Easter weekend as a flash flood alert and heavy rain warning in force for Fiji
People need to be prepared for a wet Easter weekend as a flash flood alert is still in force for all low-lying and flash flood-prone areas of Viti ...
84 days ago

Flash flood alert for Viti Levu and Vanua Levu
Please be prepared as a flash flood alert is now in force for all low lying and flash flood prone areas of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. A heavy rain ...
85 days ago

U.S Ambassador calls out China on trying to undermine its bilateral relationship with Fiji
It's puzzling that any country purporting to be a friend to Fiji would try to publicly undermine Fiji’s bilateral relationship with one of its ...
85 days ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Top Interventional Cardiologist Dr Kapadia on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show will focus on health services in the country. The former Marist Brothers Primary and High School student who has been practising medicine ...
95 days ago

Supervisor of Elections on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The interview focus on preparations for the 2026 general elections, voter related issues, electoral laws, the 2022 glitch and the municipal council ...
95 days ago

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan from the Drua base in Nadi. Coming off ...
99 days ago

TOP