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HPA to test water quality of swimming areas in Male

Ahmed Aiham
12 April 2019, MVT 13:44
The general condition of the swimming track in Male'. Maldives national swimming team frequently host practice sessions in these waters. PHOTO: MIHAARU FILES
Ahmed Aiham
12 April 2019, MVT 13:44

Male' City Council requested Health Protection Agency (HPA) to assess water quality in three locations frequented by swimmers in the capital city of Male'.

According to local media Mihaaru, Male' City Mayor Shifa Mohamed stated that the tests will be conducted to ascertain whether the swimming locations are safe for use.

"We want to guarantee its safety for public use", said the mayor, adding that further action will be taken once the results have been declared.

Test locations

- Rasfannu Beach

- Artificial Beach

- Swimming track

The council temporarily closed down Rasfannu beach on March 30, after receiving several complaints of sewerage waste in the surrounding waters.

Pieces of alleged fecal matter from the waters of Rasfannu beach. PHOTO: HUSSAIN WAHEED / MIHAARU

In addition, complaints of waste leaks in the swimming track and artificial beach areas have also been made, with both being periodically shut down throughout the years.

During former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's tenure, Rasfannu was closed in 2016, when a nearby sewage pipe burst but was subsequently opened when HPA deemed it safe following multiple tests.

Prior to Rasfannu's establishment in 2016, youth-led NGO 'Dhi Youth Movement' stated that medical waste from nearby Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital and sewage outflow posed serious dangers to beachgoers.

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