Stricter regulations to be enforced on safaris near Hulhumale’

Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has said it would soon announce stricter monitoring regulations on safaris near Hulhumale’ in an effort to stop smuggling of liquor into the island.

Commenting on the “Sun” feature article on the thriving black market liquor business in Hulhumale’, Managing Director of HDC, Mohamed Saiman said that authorities were currently working on compiling stricter regulations to manage and monitor Hulhumale’ lagoon.

Saiman said that only sea vessels which have permission and pay a fee would be allowed to use Hulhumale’ lagoon in the future, and that sea vessels that do not follow the regulation would have their permits revoked.

He expressed confidence that the new regulation – due to be released within the coming week – would be effective enough in putting a stop to illicit business by the safaris.

“We are going to make and announce guidelines to regulate the area. It will be announced within a week’s time,” said Saiman.

The association of safaris in Maldives has suggested a private jetty for safaris in Hulhumale’ where they can be monitored.

However, Saiman noted that a private jetty would not solve the problem as people could still carry the liquor into Hulhumale’ in dinghies.