Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam has revealed 12 companies have submitted proposals for the development of airports in six regions across the Maldives.
In December 2021, the planning ministry had issued an announcement seeking contractors to develop domestic airports in Makunudhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Bilehfahi in Shaviyani Atoll, Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll, Vilufushi in Thaa Atoll, Magoodhoo in Faafu Atoll and in the southern side of Raa Atoll. The projects were opened for contractor financing and development, with the minimum financing amount initially set as USD5 million for each project. However, the financing policy was later revised to allow a minimum financing of USD3 million.
Speaking at the Parliament of the Maldives, Planning Minister Aslam stated the revised financing policy helped to attract more contractors for the projects. The minister revealed 12 companies have submitted proposals for the development of the airports, corresponding to an investment of USD25 million. He said the ministry is working on evaluating the proposals and identifying the capacity of the contractors before finalising the contracts.
The planning ministry had earlier stated the development of the airports is expected to cost USD133 million, with the airport in Vilufushi alone expected to cost USD33 million. Meanwhile, the projects in Makunudhoo, Bilehfahi, Thulhaadhoo and Magoodhoo are expected to cost USD23 million, USD 24million, USD 22million and USD8.2 million respectively. The proposed airport in the southern side of Raa Atoll is expected to cost USD24 million.
The government has allocated USD 113 million to the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) for 2022 to solve travel and transport issues in the country.