Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has stated the government has received the full acquisition payment for four of the five islands leased for resort development by the current administration.
In response to a question by Parliamentarian Mohamed Saeed on islands leased for tourism and the payment status of the islands, Tourism Minister Mausoom said the current administration does not misappropriate funds generated from leasing islands for tourism. The minister said five islands had been awarded for tourism development by the current administration, noting the full acquisition payment has been received for four of these islands. He added a guarantee of USD50,000 has been allocated for the remaining island, which ensures the government will receive the agreed amount in full.
The tourism minister further affirmed that the government is maintaining the accounts and records of the lease transactions well, without any misappropriations. He said the government will make sure the reputation of the Maldivian tourism industry is protected.