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EIA violation results heavy fine on Ministry of Planning

Mohamed Rehan
18 October 2022, MVT 11:58
Aerial photo of Maradhoo-Feydhoo harbor-- Photo: Addu Live
Mohamed Rehan
18 October 2022, MVT 11:58

Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (MNPHI) is facing a heavy fine for breaching the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report.

The ministry is found in breach for the EIA report related to the Seenu Atoll Maradhoo harbor development project.

Meanwhile, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirms the ministry breached its September 10, 2019 issued report.

The agency further confirms it has fined the ministry with MVR 120,000 in accordance to EIA regulations. EPA also confirms this is the third such violation from the ministry.

The ministry is ordered to settle the fine within 30 days from the date of the EPA order. The agency has also ordered the ministry to assess Maradhoo's current environmental conditions with an EIA consultant's assistance. EPA urged the ministry to consolidate its assessment into an environmental audit report and submit it to the agency within a 60 day duration.

Additionally the ministry is ordered to file a revised monitoring plan with the agency after including the completed tasks of the harbor development project. The ministry must comply to this within seven days from the date of the order.

Meanwhile, the project was completed earlier in 2022.

MNPHI contracted Heavy Force Private Limited for harbor development. Project scope included dredging and excavation operations, a 243 meters breakwater construction and construction of a 260 meters quay wall.

Additional components included construction of a paved area stretching from the quay wall, along with installation of street lights.

Earlier, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih officially inaugurated the harbor during his visit to Addu City.

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