Minister Faisal to visit islands for resort construction that remains incomplete

Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal, recently visited islands allocated for resort construction to assess their progress.

The government has prioritized resolving the issue of unfinished resort constructions on allocated islands, which are not generating any revenue for the State. Minister Faisal arrived in Gaafu Alif Atoll Maarendhoo yesterday.

The construction of Gaafu Alif Maarendhoo was handed to a Chinese company in 2016.

During his visit to the island, he reported that the work on developing that resort has been at a standstill since 2019, leading to local inhabitants of Gaafu Alif Kolamafushi to strongly appeal for the completion of the project.

Minister Faisal recently announced the formation of a special committee which will be dedicated to addressing the development of the islands that are currently under resort construction. He also plans to meet with the most senior persons to whom the islands have been allocated to explore expedited ways forward.

“Approximately 50-60 percent of the work in the island has been completed. So, if we work effectively, we can complete it in around two years”, he said.

According to the ‘Statement of Fiscal Constraints’ released by the Ministry of Finance, islands designated for tourism that have not progressed results in an annual loss of USD 1.7 billion (MVR 26 billion).

Most of the islands that were designated for resort construction, but remain incomplete, are located in Kaafu Atoll. There are currently 29 resorts in the atoll that have stopped work and have yet to begin operations. Additionally, there are 10 resorts in Gaafu Alif Atoll that also remain unfinished.

According to Minister Faisal, out of the 63 undeveloped islands allocated for resort construction, 25 are targeted for completion and introduction to the market within the next five years.

The biggest obstacle faced by the islands is the lack of funds. Minister Faisal further stated that the Economic Council has taken the decision to identify the issues and provide solutions to those who have been allocated islands to construct resorts. Last month, he mentioned that he would present the proposals to the Cabinet at the earliest.