Fine was imposed despite having council permission: Shafeea

Shafeea Zubair, the owner of H. Veyovilla, the building housing the main office of the PNC, has stated that she was heavily fined for alleged illegal construction despite previously receiving permission from the Malé City Council. 

Malé City Mayor Adam Azim reported that Shafeea was fined MVR 128,545 for carrying out work without the necessary permits, in violation of administrative building regulations. 

According to Azim, the issue was identified during a council inspection in December; the owner was given three months to rectify the situation, but the fine was ultimately issued when the improvements were not made.

Shafeea informed "Mihaaru" that she holds the official drawings and all engineering documents approved by the city council. She explained that construction had initially been paused to incorporate specific changes she wanted for the building. 

Understanding that modifications to the plans required new approval, Shafeea noted that she had informed the council of these intentions. 

"I am not aware of the specific details of the timeline the council is mentioning. That information would be with the party currently leasing the property. Legally, even if a place is leased, the owner’s signature is required on the permit application form, and I did sign that form," she stated.

Shafeea further asserted that she submitted all required documentation requested by the council and implemented all suggested changes to the drawings. She noted that she was never informed of any remaining issues. 

Although she heard rumors that the council had lost her documents during their recent office relocation, the council never officially communicated such a loss. Shafeea confirmed she still possesses both the original permit and copies, which have been handed over to the current tenants. 

"This is not the first time I have built on this plot. When the construction was ongoing, officials came for inspections. They surely would have brought the drawings with them, as the purpose of an inspection is to ensure work matches the submitted plans," she added.