Termite infestation worsens at Dharubaaruge, staff at risk, no one to be held accountable!

RaajjeMV has been instructed to submit a written request for information regarding the deteriorating structural condition of the termite-infested area at Dharubaaruge.

The staff working at Dharubaaruge brought the termite infestation issue to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's attention this week, as it has become a nuisance for employees. In a petition submitted to the president by the staff working there, it was stated that the condition of the place has worsened to the point where the ceiling is at risk of collapsing. A total of 122 employees signed and sent the petition to the president and senior government officials, highlighting major concerns.

To gather more information on the issue, RaajjeMV visited Dharubaaruge on Thursday afternoon. Staff at the Construction Ministry counter near the main entrance confirmed that the termite infestation is affecting areas occupied by employees of the Environment Protection Agency and the Ministry of Finance.

RaajjeMV subsequently requested to speak with staff from the two departments, as well as with someone who could provide details about the condition of the affected area. However, officials responded that a statement would be given after consultation with their Permanent Secretary.

Approximately five minutes later, after consulting with the PS, staff informed RaajjeMV that video recording was not permitted while employees were engaged in administrative work. RaajjeMV’s team then requested permission to film the affected area without capturing any staff, and inquired whether someone was available to provide further information.

However, after stating that the PS was not present at the office, staff declined to provide any further response to RaajjeMV journalists. When approached for comment, an employee outside the EPA work area said the Permanent Secretary had called and advised that allowing video recording was not in their best interest, and therefore, permission could not be granted.

The PS referred to by the employees is Ajwad Musthafa. Ajwad, who was dismissed from his post as Permanent Secretary of the Environment Ministry following its merger with the Tourism Ministry, was reappointed to the position in early March.

Although no response was received from the two departments, RaajjeMV observed signs of termite infestation in the Construction Ministry area, based on visible damage and conversations with employees. Attempts to inquire about the situation were made, and officials initially indicated that someone authorized to speak to the media would respond. However, by the time the office closed at 2pm, no representative had come forward. As a result, no statement was obtained from the Construction Ministry.

The staff currently working at Dharubaaruge were relocated there last December following a fire that destroyed the building previously housing those ministries in Malé.

Although the departments did not provide official comments, a petition submitted to the president highlighted that termites were falling onto employees’ bodies and desks. Employees who spoke with RaajjeMV reported that the infestation had worsened, severely affecting the cleanliness of the workspace. Beyond the challenges to their work environment, staff also expressed concern over termites contaminating food items.