The Parliament's Petitions Committee, on Thursday, released a statement after reviewing a petition submitted by food vendors, including restaurant and cafe's, requesting for leniency in conducting business amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the committee, the Parliament reached out to all relevant institutions to address the concerns raised in the petition and devise solutions for the issues.
In response to the committee's requests for information on steps taken by various institutions concerning food vendors amid the pandemic, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) stated that restrictions for delivery services were implemented as a safety measure to prevent the spread of virus in the Greater Male' Region following an upsurge in infections since late July. However, HPA noted that current measures will be slackened based on the virus situation after considering the necessary factors.
To address difficulties in paying the monthly electric bill, State Electric Company (STELCO) introduced an option, on July 5, for individuals and businesses to split their bill and complete payments in parts. The service can be accessed by filling a form through the company's web portal.
Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) also introduced a leniency plan which allows monthly water bills to be paid in parts over a duration of six months.
Telecommunication giants Dhiraagu and Ooredoo Maldives also adopted certain policies to alleviate the difficulties posed by the ongoing pandemic, such as increasing payment periods and offering options to complete the payment in parts.
Concluding the statement, the Petitions Committee assured that efforts are underway to provide solutions for all the concerns raised by the public.
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