Malé Atoll - RajjeViyu

The Standard | 1 year, 5 months ago | tense

PNC Dismisses State Minister Nihad’s Claims of Opposition-Driven Resort Terror Plots

The People’s National Congress (PNC) refuted claims by State Minister of Tourism, Mohamed, that the opposition MDP planned rallies at resorts in Malé Atoll, calling them a terrorist threat. During a meeting at PNC headquarters, the party denied the allegations, emphasizing that no responsible group would harm tourism. The PNC reaffirmed the government's commitment to safety and urged collective efforts to protect the Maldives' reputation. Nihad's statements led to his suspension, and the MDP demanded an investigation.

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | neutral

Seaplane Terminal Relocation Talks Underway, Reveals Saeed

Discussions are underway with the resort operator of Furanafushi Island, North Malé Atoll, regarding the relocation of the seaplane terminal to the island, according to Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed. Furanafushi Island currently hosts the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa. The relocation is part of the Velana International Airport (VIA) expansion plan to increase capacity to 25 million passengers annually. The 20-year master plan was unveiled in January. VIA's Noovilu Seaplane Terminal will be repurposed as a private jet terminal. The new seaplane terminal will feature three water runways and accommodate five operators. The proposed domestic terminal will handle 2,000 passengers per hour. The apron will expand from 34 to 74 aircraft. A new passenger terminal is expected by September of the current year, and the second phase of the VIP terminal is close to completion.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 8 months ago | neutral

EPA to Reopen EOI for Reef Restoration

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will reopen the call for expressions of interest for the large-scale restoration of Rasfari reef in Malé Atoll, following damages from the MV Navios Amaryllis grounding on 18 August 2021. The original announcement in January was annulled due to fees exceeding the budget. EPA Director General Ibrahim Naeem stated that coral aquaculture is already ongoing at the reef and that the project aims for an official launch next month. Initial assessments found 8,867 square metres of reef severely damaged. The vessel's owner was initially fined MVR 893 million, later reduced to MVR 254 million, which was paid to the Maldives Monetary Authority—the largest fine ever recovered under the Environmental Act.