Swimming Track closed down over contamination

Ministry of Youth and Sports has closed down the Swimming Track in Male’ after Health Protection Agency warned that traces of grease and sewage waste have been found from the water.

Ministry has placed a warning in the area saying that the Swimming Track was closed down indefinitely until further notice.

It also says HPA was carrying out further analysis of the water.

The track is often used by tourists and the Chinese laborers working on building the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge between Male’ and Hulhule’.

The notice, warning people not to go into the water is written in Dhivehi language.

Swimming Track has been declared contaminated as professional swimmers prepare to compete in the National Swimming Competition, which was scheduled to start at Swimming Track on November 20.

Vice President of Swimming Association, Ismail Ali said the situation was unfavorable to swimmers preparing for both National Swimming Competition and other international swimming competitions.

“We are leaving for an international competition tomorrow as well. There are international competitions in December. Practice is of utmost importance to us,” said Ismail.

He said the Swimming Association had requested authorities for a permanent solution to the problem.

“Sun” has been informed the contamination is a result of a burst MWSC sewerage pipe.