Defence Minister Mariya visits 'Sifavaru'

Defence Minister Mairya Ahmed Didi has visited the ‘Sifavaru’ naval dockyard in northern Thilafalhu, developed by the military’s welfare company.

The Maldives National Defence Force revealed, through a tweet, that the newly appointed minister visited the harbour on Monday.

Minister Mariya was briefed about ongoing PSIP projects in the harbour and other projects for north Thilafalhu. Mariya was briefed by Brigadier General Ali Zuhair, chairman of Sivec, the welfare company.

Chief of Defence, Major General Abdulla Shamaal and Brigadier General Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef had also participated in the minister’s visit.

The Sifavaru harbour was contracted to the Maldives National Defence Force in 2016, and then military chief Major General Shiyam said that the harbour would drastically reduce docking costs for the state.

“Costs cut by the harbour will allow the government to build three such harbours in the next few years”, Shiyam said.

Vessels used by the military are also docked and repaired at the harbour.