The foundation stone for the new office building of the Maldives Customs Service in Maafaru island of Noonu atoll, has been laid.

The project is an initiative as part of the government’s efforts to expand customs services across islands in northern atolls.

The foundation stone for the new customs building was laid during a ceremony held in Maafaru island on Thursday.

The stone was placed by Commissioner General of Customs Abdulla Shareef, MP for Manadhoo constituency Ahmed Haroon and Deputy Commissioner of Customs Mahmood Riyaz.

The ceremony was graced by customs officials, Maafaru council’s vice president Mohamed Amir, members of the island council and officers of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS) stationed on the island.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner General of Customs highlighted that the building is an important milestone in the infrastructural development of regional customs.

He added that the office would prove to be an important pillar in the region to provide services required by the customs office.

Further, the Commissioner General highlighted that the once the construction of the building is completed and its utilization begins, it will assist in strengthening and expanding the services provided by customs to traders and the general public in northern atolls.

The 6,557-square foot building will feature an office area and an accommodation block.

The project is valued at MVR 8.66 million and was contracted to Future Homes Private Limited.

Customs revealed that the project was contracted to be completed within 540 days, since the physical work commences.