Central Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Azaan has moved to summon officials from the Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC) to the parliament over the delayed commencement of the Addu Hankede project.
During the previous administration, MFMC handed over the project to China's National Electrical Engineering Company. However, after the current administration assumed power, the project was re-announced with fireworks ahead of the parliamentary elections held in April last year.
In a letter to the Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla, MP Azaan said despite the ceremony being held over a year ago, not much work has been done at Hankede other than relocating some palm trees. He highlighted that the delay is a major concern for Addu people.
It is important for the people of Addu to know why the project is being delayed, Azaan said, requesting officials from MFMC to be summoned to the parliament's SOE committee.
Three companies were previously awarded the contract to develop Hankede. The project was initially awarded to Thoondu Pvt. Ltd. of Fuvahmulah 18 years ago, to be completed within 18 months. However, when they failed to do so, the company was fined by USD 2,500 and the project was taken from them.
In 2008, Hankede's work was awarded to a company called Half Degree. The company even built a sample room there, but the project eventually failed with no progress from the company as well.
The government then awarded the development of Hankede to Singaporean company Crescendas Group. At the time, the company shared developmental plans with the media and said the area would be developed as a four or five star resort. However, the company did not make much progress either.
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