‘Afcons unable to commence survey due to unfavorable weather conditions’

Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Director General Ibrahim Naeem, on Sunday, has stated that India’s Afcons Infrastructure undertaking the construction of the Thilamale’ Bridge has not yet been able to commence their own survey regarding the damages to Vilimale’ reef resulting from the wrecking of a self-elevating platform used in the construction of the bridge.

A survey was also conducted by EPA, assessing the damage to the reef. However, Afcons requested to conduct their own survey, as the company was discontent regarding the severity of damages reported by EPA.

Speaking to Sun regarding the matter, Naeem said that Afcons have been unable to commence the survey due to unfavorable weather conditions. He added it is difficult to specify a date the survey can be commenced at the moment.

Naeem also refuted claims by some people that EPA is reluctant to fine Afcons over the damages to Vilimale’ reef, as they are an Indian company. In this regard, he emphasized that there will be no preferential treatment, just because they are an Indian company.

“There will be no India, America, or Russia. No Adeeb, Yameen, or Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. If damage is caused to the environment by anyone, they will be investigated,” he had said.

Underscoring that Afcons was provided the opportunity to partake in EPA’s survey – Naeem said that an insurer had taken part in the survey, in place of the company.

“They said they will participate, however, at the last minute it was an insurer,” he had said.

Naeem detailed that Afcons had requested to carry out their own survey, in the timeframe granted for them to respond to EPA’s report. He added that the company has been instructed to respond within seven days from the conclusion of their own survey, not specifying any particular dates.

In an earlier statement to Sun, Afcons’ Projects Director R.V. Kishor said that the company will adhere to EPA’s instructions with all matters pertaining to the damage to the reef.

“An investigation we had jointly carried out EPA concluded recently. We will collaborate with other government authorities in carrying out works to solve this,” he emphasized.

The self-elevating platform used by India’s Afcons Infrastructure for the construction of the Thilamale’ Bridge wrecked on the Vilimale’ reef on August 16. Three workers were injured in the incident.

It was refloated after nearly two weeks, on August 27. Meanwhile, the cleaning of the debris from the area was completed on September 4. The incident caused severe damage to Vilimale’ reef.