Rasfannu beach in Male' has been temporarily closed once again after an oil spill outside the area drifted into the swimming tracks.
The beach had only recently reopened last Friday following extensive renovation work.
The Male' City Council closed the area last night, advising the public to refrain from swimming there until the oil slick is completely cleared.
"The swimming area at Rasfannu has been temporarily closed as oil from the outer sea has entered the lagoon. We urge the public not to use the beach until the cleanup is complete," the Council stated.
This is not the first such incident; Rasfannu was closed last year due to an oil spill, and similar contamination events have occurred in the past.
Renovations at the beach began on April 9, which included repairs to seating areas and other public facilities.
The biggest structural change made during the recent maintenance was the installation of channels in the outer breakwater to improve water circulation. This modification was brought to prevent the accumulation of sludge on the seabed, an issue that has also forced the beach's closure on previous occasions.
