Afcons submits own survey report; talks underway
Atoll Times has affirmed that Afcons has completed their own survey and shared the report with the EPA.
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By
Ahmed Naif
India's Afcons, which has been contracted to build the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), has submitted its own study report to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the platform that had run aground Vilimale reef, and both sides have begun discussions, Atoll Times learnt on Tuesday.
On 16 August, the platform, used to drill boreholes required for the bridge pillars, had gone adrift amid strong currents while it was being driven to be anchored to the main hull. Drifting with the current, the platform had run aground on the outer Villimale reef, injuring the three people on the platform when it had crashed.
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The platform had been stuck in the reef for more than a week; there was concern among the public that it would cause further damage to the reef if it was not dislodged.
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EPA began the survey to assess the damage after the platform was removed and the debris cleared at the site on 6 September.
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Two weeks later, after completing the survey, Afcons was allowed to respond to the EPA report on 14 September.
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EPA’s report has not been made public yet; it is being delayed because Afcons has not responded.
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Not satisfied with the report, Afcons offered to conduct a survey of their own.
Atoll Times has affirmed that Afcons has completed their own survey and shared the report with the EPA:
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Afcons survey shows only a small area was damaged
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It is clear that EPA does not agree with their survey report
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This is because the area surveyed was small and the survey was carried out days after the damage
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Afcons and EPA are in talks over the issue; and no final decision has been taken yet
When asked about it, EPA chief Ibrahim Naeem said there was no update on the matter yet. The decision will be shared with the media later, he said.
