Special audit to be conducted on seaplane terminal project
Dhaandhoo MP Yauqoob Abdulla submitted a report to the finance committee over rumors that MACL plans to lease the seaplane terminal to TMA
The seaplane terminal project is almost complete
Parliament’s finance committee has decided to task the Auditor General’s Office with conducting a special audit on the new seaplane terminal at the Velana International Airport.
Dhaandhoo MP Yauqoob Abdulla submitted a report to the finance committee over rumors that Maldives Airport Company (MACL) plans to lease the seaplane terminal to Trans Maldives Airways (TMA).
At Monday’s committee meeting, MP Yauqoob said leasing the terminal would negatively impact the state since MACL would be able to bring in a huge income by handling operations.
Seaplane operators have expressed concern that leasing the terminal to TMA would eliminate the competition and industry workers have said that it is most advantageous for MACL to operate the terminal.
At a press conference last month, the MACL President said they have not decided to hand over the terminal to anyone.
The seaplane terminal project costs USD 40 million and is set to double the size of the existing terminal. A total of 3.5 hectares of land has been reclaimed for the project, which is being developed by Beijing Urban Construction Group.
The new terminal will add more than 80 seaplane docking platforms and increase the floor area, lounge, and boarding gate by 50%.
