Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) is set to commence ferry services across the Maldives sans two regions.
In a ceremony held at the economic ministry on Monday, the government delegated provision of ferry services, and public and school bus services in various regions of the archipelago to MTCC. Bus services will be provided in capital Male and some other islands boasting large populations.
Providing ferry services in Dhaalu atoll has also been delegated to a separate firm, while it is currently operated in Addu atoll and Fuvahmulah island in the south.
Economic minister Mohamed Saeed had signed the agreement, while MTCC was represented by its CEO Ibrahim Ziyath.
Speaking to reporters, the minister noted that the earlier ferry service in disseminated regions of the Maldives had proven tedious to the public.
“Certain decisions taken by previous governments had raised costs significantly and [ferry services] could not be operated long-term,” he remarked.
Minister Saeed declared that MTCC has been charged with the provision of contemporary and fast ferry services, declaring them to be the most qualified for the task.
MTCC is to provide public bus services in capital Male, Laamu atoll, Haa Dhaalu atoll Kulhudhuffushi and Gaafu Dhaalu atoll Thinadhoo island. Bus services are currently underway in Addu atoll, Fuvahmulah island and Male’s reclaimed suburb of Hulhumale.
CEO Ziyath assured that the corporation will carry out its directive effectively. He announced that MTCC will commence its ferry services beginning July 1, and bus services within the next three months.
He added that surveys had been carried out to establish the most economical rates for ferries, taking the distances travelled into account.
Previously, privately owned MVK Maldives had operated bus services in Male in collaboration with Male City Council. The service had eventually terminated in the wake of poor bus conditions and schedules.
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