Work has been halted at 17 construction sites, the Ministry of Planning and Infrastructure has said.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had earlier this week instructed the ministry "to lead a full inspection on all construction sites, and to take necessary actions against those in violation of the current guidelines."

The order came after a falling cement bag crushed seven-year-old Rawshan Jian, as she was walking on the pavement in the Maafannu ward of capital Malé City on Sunday morning. She passed away the next day.

Speaking to the media regarding the progress of their work on Thursday, deputy director general at the planning ministry, Anwar Ali revealed that they have inspected a total of 460 construction sites thus far, including 167 in Malé, 18 sites in Villimalé and 275 in Hulhumalé.

They are to further vet 163 of these sites; 69 in Malé, 15 in Villimalé and 79 in Hulhumalé.

Anwar added that they have issued “work stop orders” to three construction sites in Malé, two in Villimalé and 12 sites in Hulhumalé.

The inspections are being carried out by the planning ministry, along with housing ministry, Malé City Counil, Maldives Police Service (MPS), Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Housing Development Corporation (HDC).

Under the “Health and Safety Inspection 2018,” they are to identify the wrongdoings at construction sites, to ensure safety of all citizens and construction workers.