Parliamentary Committee on Finance has passed to conduct a special audit over accusations that the seaplane terminal developed in Velana International Airport (VIA) will be leased in a way that will diminish the state revenue.
Speaking at a parliamentary committee meeting, Parliamentarian Yauqoob Abdulla revealed accusations are made that the seaplane terminal is to be leased out in a manner that will negatively impact the revenue generated by the state. The seaplane terminal will hugely benefit Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), although the terminal is to be leased under the same policy which was formed for the terminal currently in use, stated the parliamentarian. Noting while the new 4-storey seaplane terminal is developed in a floor space of 28,000 hectares and will be equipped with more facilities, he noted a huge revenue can be generated from the terminal.
The proposal made by Yaugoob was supported by many members of the committee. Some members highlighted while the place is of huge benefit to the company, leasing the terminal to a company in a way it can rent out spaces to resorts and other businesses at a price they seem fit will not benefit the state. Many members said it will be most beneficial if the seaplane terminal is managed by MACL.
Therefore, the chair of the committee decided to submit at Auditor General's Office to conduct a special audit of the seaplane terminal.
The completion of the 4-storey seaplane terminal will also see the development of state of the art equipment and facilities, including lounges, lobbies and restaurants. The project will also expand the seaplane dock space by 50%. MACL said upon completion, 85 seaplanes can be operated at the terminal.
The new seaplane terminal comes as a part of the USD 1 billion mega project to expand and upgrade VIA. The expansion comes in line with growing tourist arrivals and increasing tourist bed capacity due to the opening of new resorts in Maldives.
Seaplane is the preferred mode of transport between VIA and dozens of resorts, especially those located in outer atolls.
Maldives operate the largest seaplane hub in the world.