Tourism Ministry seeks party to develop airport in Maafaru

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has made an announcement again, regarding the development of an airport in the island of Noonu Maafaru.

In an announcement on Wednesday, the ministry invited eligible local and foreign investors to submit documents for the development of an airport in Maafaru, and for the lease, development and operation of a tourist resort on a designated island.

The ministry said that details of the guidelines and specifications to be followed will be given at an information session scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on 30 September 2013.

Two parties expressed interest when the ministry made an announcement earlier this year regarding the development of an airport in Maafaru.

However both parties, Kuwait International Holding and local company I & T Management, later withdrew their proposals.

Documents to be submitted to the ministry along with the Expression of Interest (EOI) include details of the company, a brief background of the senior management personnel, and an audited financial statement of company for past 3 years.

The deadline for submission of EOIs is 10 October 2013.

The government terminated its agreement with Noonu Hotels, regarding the development of an airport in Maafaru, in 2008.

The project was announced again on 4 February 2013, after the people of the island protested against the delay in the commencement of the project, claiming that they are denied their basic needs.

Following this protest, Mohamed Nazim, then-Acting Minister of Transport, was summoned to the Parliament Committee on Oversight of the Government.

Noonu Hotels, in conjunction with the project to develop an airport in Maafaru, was given an island for the development and operation of a resort. According to the government, the company paid $7 million as advance rent for the island.