It has been revealed that the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) board did not approve the project to build fitness centres on 63 islands.

MACL's vision includes providing world-class airport services. The company's mandate does not include carrying out development projects in islands.

But the administration of President Mohamed Muizzu awarded the project to MACL on August 19 as the ruling party campaigns for the local council elections.

A credible source told Adhadhu that the project has not been approved by the MACL board.

As a general practice, MACL and other state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have board discussions before initiating projects.

But Adhadhu understands that the project to build fitness centres was not proposed to be discussed during MACL board meetings.

MACL's media team and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed did not respond to requests for comment.

However, Shareef shared the cost of the project and some other details.

He said the total project cost is MVR 327 million, or MVR 5.2 million for each centre.

MACL, which operates the airports in the Maldives, has been criticized for taking over a project outside its scope of work.

But Shareef said the company's cash flow was good, adding that there were no difficulties in running the project.