Sun Siyam Olhuveli fined MVR 20,000 over EIA violation; payment already made

Sun Siyam Olhuveli, owned by Meedhoo MP Ahmed Siyam, has been fined MVR 20,000 over an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) violation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In an announcement by the agency today, EPA said that they investigated a tip off about Emerald Resort Private Limited developing the Olhuveli Beach and Spa Resort in Kaafu atoll without fulfilling the requirements of an EIA.

EPA further said that investigations and the documents exchanged in the matter showed the work was carried out illegally. As such, a fine of MVR 20,000 was imposed on the company on 11th December, and the company paid the fine on 18th December, the authority confirmed.

The EPA has also advised Emerald Resorts to conduct all projects in accordance with laws and regulations, and to complete legally mandated stages during the process of the projects.

The issue of non-payment of EPA fines is very serious. More than MVR 825 million in fines imposed for various environmental damage cases have not yet been paid to the state, according to EPA figures.