Agreements regarding provision of ferry services to four atolls terminated

The government has terminated the agreements to provide ferry services to four northern atolls.

Deputy Minister of Transport Mahdhy Imad has confirmed to Sun Online that the agreements with Dheebaja Investment Private Limited regarding the provision of ferry services to Noonu, Raa, Baa and Lhaviyani atolls have been terminated.

Transport Ministry also earlier terminated its agreements regarding the provision of ferry services to Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls with Trinus Maldives, a subsidiary of Dheebaja Investment Private Limited.

Gaafu Alifu Council Member Abdul Salaam Mohamed told Sun Online that the Transport Ministry terminated the agreement with Trinus Maldives earlier this year, following the company’s failure to provide ferry services as per the agreement.

Mahdhy said that the agreements had to be terminated due to complaints by the atolls councils that the ferry services were not being provided as per the agreements.

He said that discussions were held between officials of the company and the councils before the agreements were terminated.

He said that following the meetings, the company was advised to provide the services as per the agreements; however, subsequent to their failure to do so, the agreements were cancelled today based on advice obtained from legal experts.

Mahdhy said that the councils of Noonu, Raa, Baa and Lhaviyani atolls have been informed in writing to hold discussions with credible parties regarding the provision of ferry services.

He said that discussions were ongoing with Kooddoo Fisheries Maldives regarding the provision of ferry services to Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls.