A barge has run aground on the southern side of Sh. Maaungoodhoo, causing damage to the beach.

The barge is being used to develop the island’s harbor.

Island council president Adam Saleem said that MTCC re-floated the barge three days after it had run aground and that the extent of the damage will be estimated after an investigation from the relevant authorities.

An island resident said that the locals are angry since they believe that the accident was a result of carelessness from the workers, adding that no one wants to take responsibility.

While MTCC is tasked with developing numerous island harbors, it is common problem for its barges to be run aground. However, the government has so far ignored the issue.

MTCC was contracted to upgrade the Maaungoodhoo harbor on 20 September 2017. While the company was tasked with completing the project within 200 days, due to several issues, it has exceeded the deadline.

The island council has stated that the project, which is costing the state MVR 14.4 million, is 90% complete.