Hankede open for development as an integrated resort

As per the announcement from the Tourism Ministry, Hankede will be developed with 1,000 beds on approximately seven hectares of land.

The Tourism Ministry has said the land will be released to parties that are interested in tourism development via a proposal under the Ninth Amendment of the Regulation on Lease Rent of Tourist Islands, Lands and Lagoons.

Hankede had not seen development for quite some time even though the government decided to develop it for halal tourism in June. However, the decision was changed a week ago for integrated tourism development.

Along with Maradhoo, the development of Hankede was opened by the government in 2005. Even though various administrations afterwards had announced the project, it had not moved forward.

The Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC) had awarded Hankede to Chinese company National Electrical Engineering during the previous administration. After the current administration took office, the Hankede development project was announced during the Parliament election last year in April with a fireworks show.

As per sources, the practical work for the Hankede project has not begun due to a lack of financing. However, this was not disclosed officially by the MFMC. A complaint was submitted this year to the Parliament regarding the delay of the project.