EPA: Cannot state when action will be taken over bridge platform wrecking

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on Tuesday, has stated that they are unable to specify a date when action can be taken in connection to damages to Vilimale’ reef resulting from the wrecking of a self-elevating platform used in the construction of Thilamale’ Bridge.

The self-elevating platform used by India’s Afcons Infrastructure for the construction of the Thilamale’ Bridge wrecked on the Vilimale’ reef on August 16. Three workers were injured in the incident.

It was refloated after nearly two weeks, on August 27. Meanwhile, the cleaning of the debris from the area was completed on September 4. The incident caused severe damage to Vilimale’ reef.

Photos shared by EPA in September following their survey showed the incident resulted in four large craters on the reef.

As the incident nears three months, EPA’s Director General Ibrahim Naeem told Sun that damage assessment and formulation of subsequent reports were still ongoing.

He emphasized that such cases often take a long period of time.

“We are still working on assessing the damage to the reef. We will disclose when we reach the point of enforcing a fine,” he had said.

Naeem has previously stated that actions will be taken against Afcons if necessary, following the completion of their investigations.