Will commence project to provide oil and other services to large vessels: President

President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said a joint venture project with State Trading Organization (STO) and an international company will soon commence to provide oil and other services to large vessels that come into the Maldives.

Speaking at a meeting held with the people of Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhuffushi, the President said that the project will be aimed at that particular area, and that negotiations with the company are currently underway. He said that surveys will commence soon, and that the project will facilitate a number of job opportunities in the Bodu Thiladhunmathi area.

Speaking about the economy, the president said that the people of Kulhudhuffushi and also the people of Haa Dhaalu atoll are in need of job opportunities, and noted that the atoll does not consist of a single tourist resort.

He said that there are a number of tourist resorts currently in development in Haa Dhaalu atoll, which have been long past due of completion and that the owners of these resorts are liable to inform the government of their inability to complete the work. He said that if these parties fail to give the proper notification to the government, the he will subsequently have to order the Minister of Tourism to take the appropriate measures. He said that the resorts in Haa Dhaalu atoll must be completed and assured the people that the resorts will be complete soon.

AAA Hotels and Resorts have been awarded an island to develop a resort in Haa Dhaalu Hondaafushi.

During his speech, the president vouched that he will do everything in his power to carry out development projects, and noted that the people must show solidarity in their work for development.

Talking about the economy, the president said that it was seen to improve from 2011 to 2012 and that he hopes that the economy this year will be better than the previous year. He also said that biggest problems faced by Maldives today are those caused by politics and said that these problems must be solved.