Bridge EIA issue rejected by Majlis Committee

People’s Majlis Committee on Oversight of Government has rejected the issue with Environmental Impact Assessment on Male-Hulhule Bridge, proposed to the committee.

The issue was brought to the attention of committee by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MPs – Addu-Meedhoo representative Rozaina Adam, Maradhoo representative Ibrahim Shareef and West Mafannu representative Mohamed Falah; as well as Jumhoory Party MP – Kendhoo representative Ali Hussein.

The issue was proposed on Wednesday. And set in committee agenda for Thursday. However failed to secure votes on whether to accept or reject the issue for evaluation.

Only Ali Hussein – one of the MPs who proposed the issue, and Dhidhoo MP Abdul Latheef voted to accept the issue. The six other members present during the meeting voted to reject the issue.

The three MDP MPs who proposed the issue did not attend the meeting.

MP Ali Hussein said that he had received information that land was to be reclaimed in part of

Raalhugandu – a popular surfing spot – in violation of EIA.

The four MPs who proposed the issue said they wanted to summon officials from Housing Ministry, Environment Ministry, Environment Protection Agency (EPA), CDE Consulting – which prepared the EIA) and China Shipping Environment Technology.

The bridge project is being protested against by some environmentalists and Maldivian surfers - who will loose the only surfing spot in Male City.