SOME workers at the construction site of a seven-star resort in the Northern Division are worried about their health and the safety of the food they consume.
The workers claimed rat bait sprayed last week on the island fell into their lunches.
They said the spraying carried out over two days had been a real concern as it landed in their plates and fell over the kitchen where food is kept.
"Rat bait actually landed in our lunch, and it showered right over the top of the kitchen. The notice is alarming in itself. We were advised in the notice that while the risk to humans was low, it was recommended that young children be taken off the island until the end of July," he said.
He said the notice warned the workers not to eat wildlife or goats but only chicken and other livestock provided by the hotel.
"We worry about the rat bait washing into the ocean and the effect it might have on live fish and crabs.
"The way they (the company and the helicopter people) are going about it is quite inappropriate."
Another worker said people had been throwing rat bait all over them and their work sites.
"The workers stay and live on the island. But they are spraying these pellets all over our work site and into our food and supplies.
"They told us to stay indoors at 5.30pm, but they are spraying it all over the place now (lunch time) and into our lunch. These guys are like they've gone mad."
Another worker said: "It's a serious concern the way they are going about this.
"They don't seem to care about any environmental plan they say one thing and then do another. Who's going to stop them?
Laucala Island Resort spokesman Romanu Tikotikoca when contacted last week requested questions be emailed to him and confirmed receiving it.
However he did not promise as to when he would reply. A reminder sent to him yesterday was unanswered.
In an earlier edition, he confirmed the spraying of rat bait.
Ministry of Environment director Epeli Nasome referred all queries to the Agriculture Ministry.
However, Mr Nasome said they would intervene once a report was received from the workers about damages to the environment.
Agriculture permanent secretary Richard Beyer when contacted last week offered no comments. He is away overseas.
Acting Agriculture permanent secretary Ministry Tom Lee when contacted yesterday for an explanation referred all queries to the director research at the Koronivia Research Station.
Director Research Moti Lal did not reply to questions faxed to him.
