Heritage ministry condemns excavation of historical site
An island council used an excavator to dig out an ancient bathing well.
12 May 2019, 9:00 AM
The heritage ministry has condemned an island council in Faafu atoll for excavating a historical site using heavy machinery.
The Bilehdoo council used an excavator to dig out an ancient bathing well last week despite instructions from the ministry to stop the work as extreme care was needed to conserve such sites.
“This ministry started closely monitoring the situation after we became aware that the site was listed on the gazetted register of historical sites. The council was asked to stop the work via phone calls and in writing. However, the council continued the work,” the heritage ministry said in statement Saturday.
Specialised treatment and precautions were needed to prevent “irreversible damage,” it added, accusing the council of violating laws on the protection of artefacts and historical sites.
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