Minister of Environment Aminath Shauna has decided not to pardon the MVR 69 million fine of Afcons Infrastructure due to significant reef damage in Vilimale'.
Nearly a year since the issue was first filed with the ministry, it issued a statement on Tuesday, November 14, affirming there was no reason to alter the initial decision to fine the contractor with MVR 69 million after the damage assessment survey of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
A significant portion of Vilimale' house reef sustained notable damages after a platform, used by Afcons for the development of Thilamale' Bridge, crashed and collapsed atop it on August 16, 2022.
Following the initial decision to fine Afcons, it appealed the case to the ministry on December 7, 2022.
The ministry in its recent statement noted that its legal term's report on the matter concluded on January 23, 2023, which highlighted seeking professional opinion from maritime experts. The report was then submitted to the Center for Maritime Studies of the Maldives National University (MNU) on May 11 for further assessment.
The university concluded its research and assessment on the case on July 23, according to the ministry's statement.
"The ministry had discovered that there was reasonably acceptable room for the contractor to take control measures to restrict its crash on the reef. As such, the ministry does not see any reason to alter the EPA fine on the case," the statement read.
The ministry also stressed on the importance of utilizing funds from receivable fines for restoration of the environmental damages, making it necessary for a portion of the fine amount to be allocated for EPA. According to the ministry, MVR 15 million from the fine levied on Afcons will be transferred to the Environmental Restoration Fund, and will subsequently be used to restore damages to Vilimale' reef.
While Afcons appealed the initial decision to fine the contractor with the ministry, Shauna was summoned to the parliament to inquire about the fine where she affirmed the ministry did not intend to pardon the contractor.
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