Minister Adam Shareef: Changes possible to RTL ferry routes for sustainability in service provision

Local Governance Minister Adam Shareef had indicated possible changes to Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry system or routes in order to provide the service in a sustainable manner.

He made the remark while speaking at a ceremony held at N. Manadhoo on Thursday evening to launch RTL ferry service in Noonu Atoll.

In this regard, Minister Adam Shareef described the service being launched and expanded as one that is crucial to the public. Henceforth, he expressed his belief that the service should be available to the public without interruption.

Nevertheless, he underscored that the government always faces various obstructions in sustainably providing such services as Maldives is a small nation with a small population.

Referencing experience, he indicated the possible need to make changes to the RTL ferry system or the routes in order to provide the service in a sustainable manner.

“Although this work was commenced by the previous administration as you may know, our experience so far has really uncovered the need to prioritize sustainability in carrying forward this work. In light of our experience, I believe that there is a possibility of making changes to the ferry system or routes in some circumstances to do this sustainably,” he said.

Speaking further, Minister Adam Shareef cited the improvement of the RTL ferry system as a matter highly prioritized by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and assured that such services will be enhanced and expanded in the future.

RTL ferry service is a project undertaken by MTCC at the initiation of the former MDP administration with the aim of linking all Maldivian atolls via an integrated ferry network.

With the launch of the service in Noonu Atoll, 13 residential islands in the atoll will be linked via ferry starting Friday.

The service is also provided at nine other atolls at present.