Environment Minister Aiminath Shauna has stated that there will be no cancellation of the fine from AFCONS Infrastructure Ltd. regarding the damage done to Villimale’ reef by the bridge platform.

While it has been over eight months since AFCONS, the company which was in charge of the self-elevating bridge platform that was grounded on a Villimale’ reef, was fined 69 million Rufiyaa, the fine has not been paid. Member Mohamed Saeed of the Maavah constituency has questioned Minister Shauna if the ministry was making any effort to collect the unpaid amount.

In response to member Saeed, Minister Shauna stated that over 600 million Rufiyaa had been charged as fines in 40 different cases within the past four years. However, the government has only received 1/3 of this amount. She added that this was the largest amount of fines that were collected in the history of Maldives.

Minister Shauna also stated that AFCONS sent the case for her to review, due to which she created a legal review to be followed. She highlighted that it was advised for her to create an independent review.

The self elevating bridge platform that was grounded on Villimale’ reef on 16th August 2022 caused damage to the area. As seen in the pictures released by EPA, the reef had faced major negative impact, including four holes that were created.