Zameer denies allegation of harbor sale

Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer has denied the allegation that the harbor being built in Thilafushi to move Male' Commercial Harbor (MCH) there will be sold to Dubai Ports World (DP World).

Zameer made this statement in Dhidhdhoo during the inauguration of the practical work for land reclamation of HA. Dhidhdhoo's airport with the help of one of the biggest trailing suction hopper dredgers in the world brought in by MACL. Former President Abdulla Yameen alleged last night that the government was going to "sell" MCH to DP World.

As per Yameen during a PNF rally, the government is working to "sell" the harbor being built in Thilafushi to DP World. He likened this move to the 25-year loan of Velana International Airport to India's GMR company during former President Mohamed Nasheed's administration.

However, Zameer denied such talks yesterday from Yameen and other parties regarding the Thilafushi harbor.

Minister Zameer said it is not President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's decision regarding such a sale even though various companies submit proposals to the government.

He stated that once a proposal is received, the President only comes to a decision after holding a discussion with ministers and upon their recommendations. And so, Zameer denied that MCH would be "sold" to DP World upon it being changed to Thilafushi.

As per Zameer, various parties want to invest in places such as MPL Port and Velana International Airport. Zameer said that President Muizzu would not do anything to harm Maldivians after viewing the proposals.

"The President is a very academic individual. He is someone with very high analytical ability. And so, he only comes to a decision after speaking to ministers and taking their recommendations into account upon receiving proposals," said Zameer.

Zameer stated that rumors that spread regarding the sale of places such as MCH are far from the truth. He also stated that any decision undertaken by President Muizzu is done in a way that benefits the citizens of Maldives.

"This is something I am quite sure of," said Zameer.

The minister said that they receive such proposals due to considerable trust in the Maldivian economy and due to a high number of investors.

Yameen has made statements regarding the sale of Thilafushi port to DP World in the past.

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) have not made any remarks to the media regarding the allegations.

MPL estimates that the first stage of the project to move MCH to Thilafushi would finish next year. The company said that the project may have a total expenditure of USD 255 million. MPL also estimated that the first stage of the project would incur a cost of USD 35 million.