Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has revised the financing policy for the submission of proposals to develop six new airports across the Maldives.
In December 2021, the planning ministry had issued an announcement seeking contractors to develop domestic airports in Makunudhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Bilehfahi in Shaviyani Atoll, Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll, Vilufushi in Thaa Atoll, Magoodhoo in Faafu Atoll and in southern side of Raa Atoll. The projects were opened for contractor financing and development, with a minimum of USD5 million required to be proposed as contractor financing for each project.
However, under the revised financing policy, the minimum financing amount has now been lowered to USD3 million. The revised policy also states contractors can choose to develop the whole airport or part of the airport.
The planning ministry had earlier stated the development of the airports is expected to cost USD133 million, with the airport in Vilufushi alone expected to cost USD33 million. Meanwhile, the projects in Makunudhoo, Bilehfahi, Thulhaadhoo and Magoodhoo are expected to cost USD23 million, USD 24million, USD 22million and USD8.2 million respectively. The proposed airport in the southern side of Raa Atoll is expected to cost USD24 million.
The government has allocated USD 113 million to the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) for 2022 to solve travel and transport issues in the country.