Parliament accepts emergency motion on wrecked bridge platform on Vilimale’ reef

An emergency motion has been submitted to Parliament which alleges that adequate work has not been carried out to remove the platform used for the construction of the Thilamale’ Bridge wrecked on the Vilimale’ reef from the place.

The emergency motion was submitted during today’s parliamentary sitting by Vilimale’ MP Ahmed Usham. From the vote taken on whether to accept or reject the motion – the motion was accepted by the votes of 16 parliamentarians. Whilst one member voted against accepting the motion – two members had abstained from voting.

Presenting his motion – MP Usham said that government authorities and the company undertaking the construction of Thilamale’ bridge has failed to take adequate action to remove platform wrecked on Vilimale’ reef almost a week since the incident, despite it causing severe damage to the reef.

“It is important that the government immediately commence efforts to remove the platform from the reef in order to minimize adverse impact from the incident to the reef, and protect it from further damage,” MP Usham had said.

MP Usham stressed that in order to avoid such incidents, the undertaking of the bridge project needs to be closely monitored.

Commenting regarding the incident, Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Director General Ibrahim Naeem told Sun on Wednesday morning that the agency was assessing possible damages to the reef.

“We will know whether to impose a fine or what will be done if there is any damage to the reef once the assessment concludes,” he said.

Three workers sustained minor injuries in the incident and were treated at the hospital.

The construction of the Thilamale’ Bridge was contracted to India’s Afcons Infrastructure on August 26, 2021. The groundbreaking ceremony for the project was held on August 2, during President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s visit to India.

EPA has previously enforced hefty fines over damage to reefs in carrying out such construction projects.