Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam has stated that 12 companies have submitted proposals for the development of airports in 6 regions that were announced last December.
In December 2021, the planning ministry had issued an announcement seeking contractors to develop domestic airports and estimated cost per airport as below:
- Haa Dhaalu Atoll. Makunudhoo – USD 23,300,000
- B. Bilehfahi – USD 23,600,000
- B. Thulhaadhoo – USD 21,900,000
- Th. Vilufushi – USD 33,300,000
- F. Magoodhoo – USD 8,200,000
- R. Atoll – USD 23,600,000
The projects were opened with the minimum financing amount initially set as USD 5 million for each project. However, the financing policy was later revised to allow a minimum financing of USD 3 million.
Speaking at the Parliament of the Maldives, Planning Minister Aslam stated that 12 companies have submitted proposals for the development of the airports, corresponding to an investment of USD 25 million following the revision of the financing policy to USD 3 million.
The minister further said that the ministry is currently working on evaluating the proposals and to identify the capacity of the contractors before finalising the contracts.