Maldives Customs Service concluded the Uligan Yacht Symposium in Haa Alif Atoll, hosting stakeholder discussions to study possible avenues to ease and further develop the island's stake as a transnational yacht marina.
The symposium was joined by Hoarafushi MP Ahmed Saleem, Baarah MP Ahmed Abdulla and the Uligan Council. In total, 45 delegates representing 15 institutions took part in the consultation.
A report on the symposium findings will be submitted to Parliament upon formulation. Deputy Commissioner of Customs Abdulla Shareef urged the parliament to bring about a swift response to the identified challenges.
Furthermore, Shareef revealed that Uligan's Customs Office is scheduled to open on March, adding that Customs would do what it can to develop Uligan as a hub for yachters. The institution also proposed a reduction of fees for tracking devices.
During the event, Lawmaker Saleem gave his full assurance that the current administration would resolve the issues.
During his election campaign, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih pledged to increase the number of yachts visiting the island. He noted that at certain points in time, there were up to 200 yachts anchoring at Uligan.
The island council claims that due to certain regulations imposed by the government, the numbers have declined to about 30 yachts annually.
City hotel projects initiated during the final years of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's rule were also stopped. President Solih also pledged to find ways to restart the hotel projects.
The then-opposition coalition's presidential candidate stated that a sewerage system and clean drinking water are essential for Uligan and pledged to kickstart such projects in the island during the first year of his presidency.
Sign In