Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam has stated the Integrated National Public Ferry Network will be established in all islands in Zone 1 by April. He made the remarks in a meeting between President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the residents of Manadhoo, Noonu Atoll.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Aslam said the government is working to establish the high-speed ferry network in Zone 1, which consists of all the inhabited islands in Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and Shaviyani Atoll. The minister said work is being done to manufacture 17 ferries and establish ferry terminals in Zone 1 and that the first vessel for the services has been tested. He said Gulf Craft Maldives has so far built four of the ferries and that all the vessels needed for Zone 1 will be manufactured by April. He also said the government will begin work to expand the high-speed ferry network to Noonu Atoll, Raa Atoll, Baa Atoll, and Lhaviyani Atoll before the end of the year.
Furthermore, Minister Aslam said connecting all islands of the Maldives with the high-speed ferry network is a pledge of ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and that the government has no wish to privatise the services. He said the government aims to connect all Maldivian islands using the ferry network by the end of 2023. He added that national development requires the establishment of an efficient travel and transport network.