Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has stated it is clarifying the reasons for the order by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to suspend the harbour development project in Hulhudhoo, Addu City.
The harbour development project in Hulhudhoo is carried out by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). EPA ordered the project to be suspended, citing violations of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report prepared for the project. As such, EPA ordered dredging and reclamation works to be suspended immediately.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister of State for National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Akram Kamaluddin said the project has been suspended following EPA’s order. However, the state minister said the reasons for EPA’s order are still unclear, adding the ministry is working on clarifying the reasons for the order. He affirmed that the project is carried out in accordance to the EIA and the permits issued by EPA for the project.
The harbour development project in Hulhudhoo involves dredging of 88,623 cubic meters for the new harbour basin and reclamation of 1,788 cubic metres, along with the construction of a 114-metre breakwater and 624-metre revetment. MTCC stated 88% of the project had been completed when EPA ordered the suspension of the project.