The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined the Fenaka Corporation MVR 4.2 million for beginning construction on power plants in 21 islands without completing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
The EPA had already taken action against Fenaka for six previous infractions.
Fenaka has been penalised for violations of environmental regulations across the country.
Violations related to the relocation of power plants include those at;
Finey Island, Haa Dhaalu Atoll
Uligamu Island, Haa Alifu Atoll
Utheemu Island, Haa Alifu Atoll
Feydhoo Island, Shaviyani Atoll
Dhihdhoo Island, Haa Alifu Atoll
Rasgatheemu Island, Raa Atoll
Kinolhahu Island, Raa Atoll
Kendhikulhudhoo Island, Noonu Atoll
Muraidhoo Island, Haa Alifu Atoll
Komandoo Island, Shaviyani Atoll
Fohdhoo Island, Noonu Atoll
Kurendhoo, Lhaviyani Atoll
Kumundhoo Island, Haa Dhaalu Atoll
Meedhoo Island, Dhaalu Atoll
Maabaidhoo Island, Laamu Atoll
Molhadhoo Island, Haa Alifu Atoll
Rathafandhoo Island, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
Villingili Island, Gaafu Alifu Atoll
Violations related to the upgrading of power plants include those at;
Maaungoodhoo Island, Shaviyani Atoll
Kulhudhuffushi Island, Haa Dhaalu Atoll
The SOE has also been penalised for violations in relation to the construction of water, sewerage and the power plant at Maavarulu Island in Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
Fenaka has been ordered, by the EPA, to pay the fine within 30 days and the SOE has been strongly advised to conduct projects within the regulatory framework.
Fenaka is a state-owned utility company providing electricity, water, and sewerage to the island communities of the Maldives.