HRS Infratech has failed to pay MVR 100 million in fines for the damages the company’s vessels had caused to the reef of Dhihdhoo island in Haa Alifu Atoll, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said. The vessels in question were the ‘TB Mutha Princess’ tugboat and ‘Mutha Pride’ barge.
The environmental regulator imposed the fine on 19 September, ordering Infratech to pay within one month.
Director General of the EPA Ibrahim Naeem told local media that should the fine remain unpaid, the EPA would direct the Attorney General’s Office to take actions in court so as to recover the fines.
An assessment, in financial terms, of the damage caused to a 4,038 square metre area of the reef was determined as MVR 101,743,400.00. However, as current laws cap fines at MVR 100 million Infratech was fined the maximum allowed by the law.