Villagers on Fiji's Malolo Island want work on the construction of a resort to cease due to the damage it is causing the environment.
Photo: Google Maps
The Chinese developer, Freesoul Real Estate Development (Fiji), is building a resort of about 370 bures on Malolo off Fiji's main island Viti Levu.
Some of the bungalows are over the water and others amid protected mangroves.
The headman at Solevu Village on Malolo, Orisi Vuninavanua, wants Freesoul stopped from further damaging the beaches, mangroves and reefs on the island.
"They started digging that so it's spoiled the whole environment. This is the place where the crabs and the fish who rely on the mangrove swamp.
"When they dig out those channels to the beach, most of the fishes and all those marine life it was totally spoiled. So we are not happy about what has happened."
Mr Vuninavanua said the ownership of the site is disputed and locals also want that matter resolved.
The website Newsroom reported the developers had ignored two court orders and are running roughshod over Fijian environmental law, permits, the environment, and the island locals.
RNZ Pacific has contacted the Fiji government for comment.