Saeed Dodges Questions on RTL Ferry Issues
Minister Saeed failed to provide a specific timeline for resolving the ongoing technical issues within the RTL ferry service during a parliamentary questioning session. Public frustration continues to mount over frequent trip cancellations and the expansion of the network without the addition of necessary vessels to meet demand.
RTL ferry service launches in Faafu and Dhaalu Atoll: Service now expanded to 15 atolls across the Maldives. | MTCC
Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has declined to provide a specific timeline for when the government will resolve the ongoing issues and public grievances surrounding the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry service.
During Monday's parliamentary sitting, Minister Saeed was summoned for questioning, where Kanditheemu MP Ameen Faisal raised concerns regarding the ongoing technical issues facing RTL ferries. The MP highlighted the resulting difficulties for the public and inquired when a permanent solution to these problems would be implemented.
Declining to provide a direct answer, Saeed initially stated that he had attended the parliamentary session fully prepared to address that specific question.
He further noted that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had provided the latest updates regarding the RTL during his most recent press conference. The Minister stated that while the service is currently unavailable in five atolls, it is already operational across 15 atolls, with 35 speedboats currently deployed in the fleet.
Furthermore, Minister Saeed stated that the remaining islands will be integrated into the network by next January, effectively connecting the entire Maldives.
As the Minister failed to provide a direct answer to the question, Hussain Ziyad, the Member for the Vaikaradhoo constituency, posed the same inquiry again, seeking further clarification and detail.
In this regard, the member reiterated the question, highlighting that the frequent cancellation of ferries is a major concern for the public today and inquiring about the potential solutions to address the issue.
In response to the question, Saeed reiterated his previous remarks, confirming that RTL ferry services will be launched in the remaining five atolls before next January.
One of the primary concerns for the public today is the failure to procure additional vessels to facilitate the launch of ferry services in new atolls. Many have expressed frustration over allegations that the government is attempting to expand the network to three or four more atolls without commissioning the construction of new ferries. Furthermore, citizens have highlighted that sudden trip cancellations have become a significant burden on their daily lives.
