Equator Village in Addu City has agreed to vacate a portion of its staff quarters to facilitate the construction of a key road for the Gan International Airport expansion project.
Equator Village in Addu City has agreed to vacate a portion of its staff quarters to facilitate the construction of a key road for the Gan International Airport expansion project.
The hotel’s staff quarters fall within the designated area for the road, and the government had previously announced that the road would be excluded from the current project due to potential compensation costs and delays if not vacated in time.
However, authorities have been working to find an alternate solution, with the Ministry of Construction setting a deadline for resolution by next Tuesday.
Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim has been actively involved in the negotiations, and a breakthrough has now been reached, an official said.
“Only eight rooms need to be vacated, and Equator Village has agreed to provide alternative accommodation for them elsewhere,” he said.
A team from the Tourism Ministry is currently in Addu City working towards the solution.
Addu Airport Company Managing Director Mohamed Waheed acknowledged the efforts, noting that cooperation on this matter had been limited during the tenure of the previous tourism minister.
Equator Village operator, Kaimoo Travels, had initially proposed a USD 25 million compensation or an extension of lease terms for two of its resorts, Summer Island and Emboodhoo Village.
Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar, following a meeting with Equator Village officials on Sunday, expressed optimism.
“Preparations are underway to vacate the building. I call on all state institutions to resolve the issue without harming the business of Equator Village,” he said.
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