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Boating Association claims discrimination over fee hikes in Fuvahmulah marina

Mohamed Rehan
11 April 2022, MVT 14:34
An international safari cruiser berthed out of Fuvahmulah coast-- Photo: Ammad
Mohamed Rehan
11 April 2022, MVT 14:34

The decision of Fuvahmulah City council to increment fee from safari vessels by USD500 (MVR7,710) for berthing durations, has been contested by National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM).

According to NBAM, this relative increment in fees is a perceived discrimination against safari and yacht operators.

The council announced its decision of incrementing berthing fees for safari vessels from USD50 to USD500, which was earlier approved during the council's general assembly.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ismail Hameed, the current president of NBAM attested that the council had met with the boating association following its decision to hike berthing fees.

Furthermore, the council had assured it will proceed ahead with the said price hikes after deliberating the decision with relevant authorities.

"But no such discussions were held regarding the issue, and the council's decision has come abruptly," Mr. Hameed commented.

Hameed further clarified that the international practice in charging berthing fees does not depend on the type or class of vessel; in fact, it depends on the size of the vessel and the duration of the berth.

According to Hameed, the council's decision to hike berthing fees on safari vessels; due to its vessel class, is discriminatory in nature.

He had further claimed that the council's decision was also a clear abuse of authority under the decentralization act.

However, Mr. Hameed had stated that he hoped Fuvahmulah City council will rescind its decision after conversing with safari vessel operators and owners - to assess their plights.

Meanwhile, the council authority claimed its revolve to hike the berthing fees was to accommodate the constraining space in the Fuvahmulah harbor.

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