Afcons handed a month to pay MVR 69.4 million fine
EPA has declared 2,755 square metres of Villimale reef as damaged.
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has issued Indian company Afcons to pay the fine of MVR 69.4 million within a month’s period, for the damage caused to Villimale reef by the platform that the company had been using for the construction of the Thilamale Bridge in the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP).
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. Thus:
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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, according to EPA.
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Not satisfied with the report, Afcons offered to conduct a survey of their own.
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Afcons has already completed their survey report and submitted it; but EPA opposes the findings in their reports
Amid criticism that the EPA was hesitant to take action against Afcons, the agency issued a statement on Wednesday, revealing for the first time the details of the agency’s decision to fine Afcons:
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In the survey conducted by Afcons, EPA participated as an observer.
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Both the agency's assessment reports and the report submitted by Afcons show that the platform parts and their removal efforts have caused various damages to various parts of the reef area.
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The agency has declared 2,755 square metres as damaged.
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Afcons to be fined MVR 69.4 million.
"... On 13 November 2022, Afcons Infrastructure Ltd was directed to pay the fine amount to this agency within 30 days, including public holidays," the statement read.
