The Male’ City Council has launched efforts to address water contamination at Rasfannu beach, following its recent reopening after renovation by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).
Speaking at a Male’ City Council meeting, Mayor Adam Azim said that the repairs carried out by MTCC were not completed to the required standards. He noted that assessments have now been ordered to determine the current condition of the site.
"When we inspected the area, we found that the newly constructed drainage channels were not designed to prevent sea debris and waste from entering. The structures were left very open," he said.
Azim further explained that the government took over the renovation project after the City Council had already initiated the process and awarded a contract to a private party.
"During the previous term, the Male’ City Council made a decision and even awarded the contract. However, the government then requested to undertake the project at their own expense," he added.
Commenting on the situation, City Council member Mohamed Rilwan noted that since the beach reopened, significant amounts of waste have been entering the area, and the swimming zone is heavily silted.
"There are no hygiene standards being maintained here. On one occasion, I even observed waste oil in the water. If we are to provide a service to the public, it must be done properly," he said.
Rasfannu was closed for renovations on April 9 and officially reopened to the public on June 12.
According to the government, the MTCC-led project included the installation of a drainage system on the northern side and the complete removal of the old rock boulders. The government also said a new breakwater was constructed with pipes integrated to facilitate water circulation.
