Maldives’ statutory corruption watchdog, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), has asked that payment to contractors for the Maafaru International Airport be suspended.

ACC asked this of the Regional Airports office on the basis that a case claiming that the process through which the project was given for public tender was unfair and involved corruption.

The ACC has also asked the Civil Service Commission to suspend Ahmed Mahreen, the Director General of Regional Airports, as it continues to investigate a complaint against him.

Singapore based private-company Tuff Offshore was given the project just months ahead of the presidential elections, which President Abdulla Yameen lost.

President Yameen announced the project during as part of a campaign visit to Maafaru island, in Noonu atoll, revealing that it is to be funded by a grant of USD 60 million from the United Arab Emirates.

Tuff Offshore has constructed a 2,200-meter runway for Maafaru airport, which was officially opened for use in August. The international airport is to be further developed to include a transit hotel as well.