Tar drums brought for the F. Magoodhoo airport project are leaking, with the contents spilling onto the ground
A local source reports that a large shipment of asphalt drums has arrived on the island, purportedly for the airport runway project. The materials were reportedly transferred from Hdh. Hanimaadhoo, consisting of surplus stock remaining from the Hanimaadhoo International Airport development. Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of oversight at the storage site and the overall quality of the asphalt, with the source noting that the use of these materials has become a significant point of contention among the local community.
Tar barrels brought for the F. Magoodhoo Airport project have ruptured, causing the contents to leak onto the ground. | RaajjeMV | RaajjeMV
Tar barrels brought for the F. Magoodhoo Airport project have ruptured, causing the contents to spill onto the ground.
Speaking to RaajjeMV, the island’s Council President, Abdulla Waheed, stated that bitumen intended for the airport project had been delivered in rusted drums. He further noted that several of these drums had burst spontaneously, resulting in a significant amount of bitumen leaking onto the ground.
The exact number of barrels involved remains unclear, and it has not yet been determined whether the leak was caused by the manner in which they were stored. No further details were provided.
However, a local source reported that a large quantity of bitumen had been brought to the island in drums, specifically intended for the airport runway. The materials were reportedly transported from HDh. Hanimaadhoo and are believed to be surplus stock remaining from the Hanimaadhoo airport development project. The source further noted that the drums were severely corroded and likely ruptured due to prolonged exposure to the sun.
He questioned the quality of the bitumen, noting that the barrels were left unattended at the airport construction site. He further stated that this remains a significant concern for the local residents.
Tar barrels brought for the Magoodhoo airport project have leaked onto the ground, causing significant spillage. This incident follows two separate attempts by the government during this Ramadan to relocate gravel and sand brought to the island for the airport’s development, both of which were blocked by local residents who gathered to protest the move.
The residents of Magoodhoo, a community of approximately 900 people, have previously staged protests expressing their grievances over the suspension of the island's airport development project.
The Magoodhoo Airport project was initiated during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. However, following the change in government, progress on the project came to a standstill. After more than a year in office, President Muizzu visited Faafu Atoll on September 21, 2024, where he announced that the Magoodhoo Airport project would be completed within a maximum of 12 months.
