City Council begins search for ferry service providers

While efforts are underway by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to develop ferry terminals, Male’ City Council has begun looking for providers of ferry services.

MTCC has not made any efforts to develop ferry services, and also recently decided to increase the prices of some of its services.

Male’ City Council member Ibrahim Sujau said today that it is the responsibility of the City Council to provide ferry services to the citizens of Male - MTCC thus has no authority to increase the prices of these services without the Council’s permission.

Article 42 of the Decentralisation Act stipulates that the services to be provided by City Councils include the renovation and maintenance of harbours, and construction and management of jetties and ferry terminals.

Sujau said that if the ferry service prices are to be changed, City Council will look for new groups to provide the service; and that it had in fact commenced search for ferry service providers.

He added that a meeting will be held with MTCC within the week, and if MTCC can promise good quality services, they may be given the opportunity to provide ferry services.

“We currently use fishing boats to provide ferry services. There are parties interested in providing these services using world-class, good-quality vessels. We are trying to find ways to do this,” he said.

MTCC has stated the introduction of GST as a reason for increasing the prices of some of its services. However, the company’s Board of Directors has decided to keep ferry service prices unchanged.

For instance, the Express speed-boat services between Male’, Hulhumale’ and Hulhule’ have been increased from MVR20 to 25; and the prices for transporting motorcycles and parking have been increased.

MTCC has announced plans to construct an entertainment centre at the Vilimale’ Ferry Terminal, and also to introduce auto-gate services at Hulhumale’ Ferry Terminal.