Nilandhoo Council President Nasih Ibrahim said that the debris was brought to protect areas prone to sea swells. He said the debris is being used to elevate muddy roads near the wetlands to mitigate flooding.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched an investigation into Robinson Club Maldives Resort for seeking permission from the Gaafu Alifu atoll Nilandhoo Council to dispose of its construction debris by burying it in the island’s wetland area.
EPA Director Riffath Naeem told Mihaaru News that the agency is aware of complaints about waste being transported to Nilandhoo from the resort.
"It is prohibited to transfer waste from one island to another. We have received complaints about this, so we are investigating the matter," he said.
A person speaking from the island said that the debris consists of construction debris from the resort.
Leo Trading was tasked with disposing of the waste, which was transported to the island in collaboration with the council.
"The debris is being dumped under the road construction site around the island. This activity has been ongoing for a week, and it is damaging the whole island," the resident said.
Nilandhoo Council President Nasih Ibrahim said that the debris was brought to protect areas prone to sea swells. He said the debris is being used to elevate muddy roads near the wetlands to mitigate flooding.
"We are not putting the debris into the wetland. We are working to protect it. This is a flood-prone area, so raising the road will safeguard the wetlands and reduce the impact of sea swells," Nasih said.
Nasih said that the council had applied to the EPA for permission to build the road, and added that palm trees in the area would also need to be removed for the road construction. He further stated that if EPA does not respond within 30 days, the council would proceed with the work.
Nasih said that while transporting waste between islands is prohibited, he does not consider construction debris to be classified as garbage.
Sign In
