Govt defends MoU for Thinadhoo airport project, assures due diligence

Feb 22, 2024, 7:26 AM
Thinadhoo airport project awarded to Thailand's Pan Pacific Company. -- Photo: Construction Ministry

Thinadhoo airport project awarded to Thailand's Pan Pacific Company. -- Photo: Construction Ministry

The agreement signed to develop an international airport in Gaaf Dhaal Thinadhoo was an MoU and the company's financial capability will be ensured before the contract for the project is signed, the Construction and Infrastructure Ministry said today.

The government said on Tuesday that it has "signed an agreement to develop the Thinadhoo international airport." The "work of developing the Thinadhoo international airport" has been awarded, the government also said.

However, the Construction and Infrastructure Ministry said in a press statement released today that the deal signed yesterday was an MoU and assured due diligence before the actual agreement for the project is signed.

"The contract for the project would be signed in accordance with laws and regulations of the Maldives after checking all necessary matters and ensuring the expertise and financial capacity of the party that submitted the proposal," the statement read.

The Construction Ministry's statement offered further details about the proposal from the company that could be awarded the project.

"The Pan Pacific Company Limited proposed building a four-kilometer runway, international and domestic passenger terminals and a seaplane terminal in addition to establishing all the facilities included in an international airport," the ministry said.

The development of high-end resorts, a yacht marina and flying school was also proposed under the agreement, the ministry said.

The government has yet to provide any information about the MoU for the Thinadhoo international airport aside from a video presentation. The Thinadhoo council and public learned of the project at the function where the announcement was made on Tuesday.

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