Four companies express interest to develop yacht marina in Dhiyaneru Lagoon

Four companies have answer the call for Expression of Interest by Transport Authority of Maldives to develop and manage a yacht marina in Dhiyaneru Lagoon, located near Aarah in Kaafu Atoll.

Chairman of the Authority Abdul Rasheed Nafiz said today all four are local companies and that the project will be a joint-venture with the government. He said that the Authority will next evaluate the EOI’s and invite them to submit bid proposals.

“We’re now trying to gauge the financial capability and experience of the companies that are interested. We’ll look at their proposals and open for proposals if they meet the requirements. Or ask them to submit again,” Nafiz said.

He said that their plan for the development of Dhiyaneru Lagoon also includes a tourist hotel and a yacht repair and maintenance depot.

“After we decided to develop the area, the Live-aboard Association has said that safari’s should be able to dock there free of charge. But we don’t think anybody will come to us just to develop a harbour. We have facilitate for whoever is interested to be able to gain a profit from the area,” he said.

Nafiz said that the project will be duly discussed with Tourism Ministry and that it is possible for the plans to change with the Ministry’s input.

The deadline for the submission of EOI’s for the development and management of Dhiyaneru Lagoon expired last Thursday.