Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology Aminath Shauna has stated antenna towers established in islands for communication services will be relocated if the towers pose any dangers to the public due to proximity with residential households. She made the statement in a written response sent to the Parliament of the Maldives in relation to a question by Parliamentarian Ahmed Shiyan on the matter.
Minister Shauna stated antenna towers have been established in islands based on a communication network designed with respect to the geographic formation of the Maldives. The minister said removing even one such tower could disrupt communication services of the whole country. She said moving the towers completely away from residential areas may also not be possible, as the towers are required to be located a certain distance away from the sea which forces it to be located in the centre of many islands.
The environment minister assured that the government would work on relocating an antenna tower if any danger is observed to the public due to a tower. She said any such relocation would be carried out after discussions with the relevant authorities and island councils.