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EPA not sure of damage report release date

Malika Shahid
25 September 2022, MVT 12:50
Platform used to build the THilamale' bridge aground on Vilimale' reef: The reef damage report is yet to be released --photo: Fayaaz Moosa
Malika Shahid
25 September 2022, MVT 12:50

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said that release date of the damage survey report of Vilimale' reef due to the Thilamale' bridge platform is unknown since the responsible party is yet to respond.

The agency's Director General Ibrahim Naeem told Miharu News that the report is being delayed due to the company awarded with the Thilamale' Bridge project; Afcons, has not yet responded to EPA's survey report.

"Once we get a comment from the company, we will know when the report will be released. We don't know how long it will take," he said.

A platform used for geotechnical survey of the bridge ran aground on August 16 . Afcons was able to refloat the platform 12 days later.

Some have accused the government of being reluctant to take action against the company that is building the bridge with substantial Indian assistance, despite coastal damages incurred. However, the government has denied the allegations.

EPA has released photos of the damage caused to the reef after cleanup of iron and debris which showed deep holes of more than 10 feet borne into the reef structure.

The photos also show the impact of the steel pipes and the damage caused to the coast. Some EPA divers had dived into the narrow pit caused by the anchors to take photos.

Environmental organizations are expressing serious concern about the issue.

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