President says MPL will begin supplying sand, gravel next year
President Solih also highlighted the lack of space at Male commercial harbour and the challenges faced due to it.
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By
Ahmed Mizyal
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Saturday that Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) will begin supply and unloading services of sand and gravel upon completion of the Thilafushi Bulk Terminal in September 2023.
Speaking at the function held to mark the 36th anniversary of MPL, President Solih said MPL is preparing to launch a new service that has not yet been provided at the commercial harbour in Male.
The president said that the service will make things easier for suppliers and the public once it is launched.
"The bulk terminal currently being developed in Thilafushi will be completed by September next year, making it easier for businesses as well as the public who want to import gravel and sand," said President Solih.
The president noted two main things that will be elevated with the introduction of the service:
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Decrease in major industrial activities within the congested population of Male
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Male harbour area land will be used for other services required by residents of Male
Gulhifalhu port to resolve many issues
President Solih also highlighted the lack of space at Male commercial harbours and the challenges faced due to it. He said that he believes there has been no development to the commercial port and that it is a great loss to the entire Maldivian economy.
"The Maldives will be able to benefit greatly from the international maritime transport industry because of its strategic position in the Indian Ocean. If a high-quality commercial port is developed in the Maldives, we can generate a better income from it," he said.
Some of the important issues noted in the president’s speech include:
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Space constraints at Male commercial port
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Commercial port area in Male is not spacious enough to conduct harbour facilities to potential, and there is no way to expand the harbour either
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Due to space constraints, goods brought from abroad get delayed in reaching owners; it is a great loss to the economy
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A number of efforts are underway to develop Male commercial port and regional ports
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When the ports in HDh. Kulhudhuffushi and Addu reach completion, import and export activities will expand and revive the businesses in the islands
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GDh. Thinadhoo regional port development project revisions to begin soon
We are also developing a harbour in Gulhifalhu large enough to accommodate the trade of Male commercial port, north Male' harbour and south Male harbour.
Efforts are underway to relocate the commercial harbour in Male' city to Gulhifalhu to address the space constraints faced by the harbour at present.
"One part of the land required for Gulhifalhu port has now been reclaimed. Once the other half is reclaimed, the port development project will be opened for bidding," said the president.
President Solih stated that the relocation of Male commercial port to Gulhifalhu will speed up port activities and services. He said that docks and warehouses in Male region will also be relocated to Gulhifalhu.
"We are also developing a harbour in Gulhifalhu large enough to accommodate the trade of Male commercial port, north Male harbour and south Male harbour," said the President.
"It is my hope that these efforts to develop the commercial harbour in Male will accelerate the economic activities of the Maldives, and pave the way for a prosperous life for Maldivians."
