EPA slaps MVR 200k fine on Construction Ministry

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the Maldives on Tuesday, has fined the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure with MVR 200,000.

EPA fined the ministry after for executing Lhaviyani atoll Hinnavaru road development project in volation to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.

The agency argued that the ministry permitted execution of project aspects that were restricted by the agency in their EIA concept for the road development and sewerage installation project.

EPA said as per Article 20(a) of the EIA Regulation, the ministry, as the proprietor or 'contractee' of the project, is liable for the offense and subject to a fine of MVR 200,000.

The ministry must settle the fine within 30 days from the date of the announcement, EPA added.