Fatal incident in a well in fish market: Water was tested at fish market area prior incident – MFDA

Thursday, March 13th, 2008

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Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has revealed that prior to the death of 5 Maldivians while carrying out some work in a well located at the fish market the authority had tested the water in that area.

Moosa Anwar Director General of MFDA told Miadhu Daily that the authority had tested the water at fish market area at the request of Male’ Municipality. Anwar revealed that the test report was submitted to Municipality during January this year.

Anwar revealed that the tests indicate presence of considerable amounts of Hydrogen sulphide and ammonium in that area. Anwar revealed that tests were carried out specifically for the presence of these gasses.

According to Anwar hydrogen sulphide is found in waters at various parts of Male’. He said that this was the main reason for the foul smell coming from the water. He further revealed that if blood or other waste materials that are subject to decay are allowed to accumulate then it is likely to cause ammonia gas as well.

Anwar further revealed that following the report Male’ Municipality was making changes to the design of drainage of the fish market and that MFDA was enforcing hygienic standards.

Mohamed Rasheed an expert who has worked at Maldives Water and Sanitation Authority (MWSA) says that hydrogen and ammonium gas would be present in that area. According to Rasheed ammonium gas is formed when these waste materials starts decomposing.

Miadhu Daily was unable to obtain a comment from Male’ Municipality on the matter, despite repeated attempts.

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