MWSC pledges to support Rasfari reef restoration

The Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Sunday to support the restoration of the Rasfari reef.

The agreement was signed by EPA’s director-general Ibrahim Naeem and MWSC’s managing director Abdul Matheen Mohamed in a ceremony held onboard the research vessel RV Thimaaveshi.

The EPA launched the project to restore the Rasfari reef last year after the reef sustained significant damage when a cargo ship ran aground on the reef back in 2021.

Under the terms of the agreement, MWSC will install a water plant on RV Thimaaveshi, and procure survey equipment for the project. The company will also supply water and make transport arrangements for the project under its CSR initiative.

The Rasfari reef, located west of K. Rasfari, has been protected since 1995. The area is famous amongst divers and one of the most environmentally diverse areas in Kaafu Atoll; with sightings of endangered species in the Maldives such as rays, sharks and turtles.

On August 19, 2021, Panama-flagged cargo ship MV Navios Amaryllis ran aground on the reef, damaging over 2,800 square meters of the reef.

The owner of the ship settled a hefty fine of USD 10 million (MVR 154.2 million) in December 2021 – inclusive of damages to the reef as well as the cost of restoring the reef to its previous state. It marked the first time the state recovered such a large sum of money for causing environmental damage. 

MWSC said that its collaboration with the EPA reflects its commitment to preserving the Maldives' marine ecosystem.

The company also reiterated its commitment to supporting environmental initiatives.