Construction of chemical warehouses complete in Thilafushi, ready for relocation

Greater Male’ Industrial Zone Limited (GMIZ) has announced the completion of the construction of chemical warehouses in K. Thilafushi in preparation of relocation of the warehouses located in Male’ City to the island.

The Maldivian government made the decision to relocate the chemical warehouses located in Male’ City to Thilafushi following the fire which devastated the Abadhahfehi Magu neighborhood of Henveyru district on September 20. The fire had originated from a chemical warehouse and resulted in the death of a woman and left hundreds homeless.

The Maldivian government contracted the project to construct chemical warehouses in to GMIZ, which subcontracted it to SJ Construction for MVR 9.5 million with the stipulation that it complete the project within 60 days.

GMIZ’s managing director, Ibrahim Rasheed (Ibu) told Sun the project was completed in 54 days.

Ibu said the project would have been completed sooner if not for the major challenges it had faced along the way.

MNDF has flagged 31 warehouses as high-risk facilities which require immediate relocation.

According to Ibu, GMIZ has completed construction of 34 warehouses in Thilafushi; 17 small warehouses and 17 larger ones.

The smaller warehouses are 500-square meter spaces while the larger warehouses are 800-1,000-square meters.

The 34 warehouses have been installed with fire systems and alarm systems, and have been inspected by the MNDF.

Ibu said that the GMIZ was holding discussions with the parties which will be allocated the warehouses, and will sign the necessary agreements soon.

He said the parties had the option of beginning to transfer products to the warehouses as early as this Saturday.

Defense Ministry previously announced the congested Maldivian capital had 126 chemical warehouses; 82 of which are located in residential buildings.