Minister of Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim has stated that in the three years that have passed since President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom took oath of office, 25.5 kilometers of beach have been protected. The Minister made the statement during Tuesday's Parliament sitting.
Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim was summoned to Parliament for questioning by the Member of Parliament for Kinbidhoo constituency, Abdulla Riyaz to question him about the coastal management project in Vandhoo Island in Thaa atoll. The Minister assured that a coastal management project in Vandhoo has not been included in the 2017 state budget.
Answering a question posed by another member of parliament, the Minister said that the government has been conducting studies in islands that face beach erosion and addressing the matter, as much as the budget allows. He said that since this administration came into power, practical work has begun on coastal management of 23 islands, and completed coastal management projects in 15 islands. 8.2 kilometres of coast was protected in these 15 islands at a cost of 263 million rufiyaa, according to the Minister.
The Environment Minister noted that while coastal protection and coastal management projects are being carried out in different islands, the projects are being designed to suit the unique environments of each island. He said that in some islands, the design had to be changed, even during the implementation process. He said that such issues prevent coastal management projects from being implemented on time.