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Environmental Protection Agency fines Planning Ministry over bridge project

Raif Amyl Jalyl
04 July 2019, MVT 09:39
Sinamale' bridge / China-maldives friendship bridge / Male' Hulhule bridge CCCC
Raif Amyl Jalyl
04 July 2019, MVT 09:39

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday fined the Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure approximately MVR 890 million, for its failure to clear debris following the completion of Sinamale' Bridge development project.

The fine was imposed once the agency, upon an inspection assisted by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), had determined evidence that a large volume of construction waste, including multiple iron rods, were abandoned in the vicinity.

EPA noted that the Environmental Impact Assessment conducted for the bridge project specifically mandated that any waste spillage must be reported.

The sum fined was determined in accordance with the environmental damage regulation formed under Environment Act, and the Planning Ministry was given a period of it 30 days to pay the penalty.

Following public outrage over the issue, the contractor of the development project China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) announced plans to clear the ocean of the construction waste.

However, no further details regarding the initiation of a cleanup program were revealed.

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