The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has imposed a USD6.5 million fine over damages caused by the grounding of a barge on the reef in Fuvahmulah City.
EPA imposed the fine on African Private Limited, the owner of the barge Olympic Kandilo that ran aground in July. The agency stated that the barge was transporting rock boulders for a shore protection project in Fuvahmulah when it ran aground while approaching a temporary jetty for unloading materials.
HPA conducted a survey of the damages caused by the incident. The survey showed that 4,306sqm of the reef was damaged with additional damages caused by rock boulders that fell into the water.
The EPA assessed the environmental damage caused to the reef and imposed a fine amounting to USD10.5 million. However, the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act only allows a maximum fine of USD6.5 million to be issued. As such, the owner has been given 30 days to pay the amount. EPA stated that it will initiate the necessary steps to seek compensation through the courts with the Attorney General's Office based on the outcome of the appeal stage of the case.