President

The President’s Office has notified Tourism Ministry to hand over Club Faru resort, previously operated by Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), to Housing Development Corporation (HDC).

Managing Director of HDC Suhail Ahmed told Sun Online today that they had received a copy of the letter sent by the President’s Office in this regard to Tourism Ministry, and that a decision on the matter will be revealed on Sunday.

“Phase two of the Hulhumale’ reclamation project is not likely to commence too soon. So we requested that [Club Faru] remains in our care until that project commences. That way we won’t have to request to hand over once the reclamation begins,” said Suhail.

He said that the company’s mandate must be revised if Club Faru is to be operated as a resort, and that a decision will be made in this regard after discussion with the Tourism Ministry.

An official of the Tourism Ministry has also confirmed that the President’s Office had notified to hand over the island to HDC, and that efforts are under way to do so.

The contract with MTDC regarding the operation of Club Faru expired on 15 May, and since the contract was not extended, MTDC handed over the operation of the resort to Tourism Ministry.

HDC is making preparations to start phase two of the Hulhumale’ reclamation project, which includes Club Faru. HDC has shortlisted two companies for the reclamation of an area to extend the island.