Muizzu hits back at Ameer: UAE gave airport funds at my request
Responding to Firzul’s comments, Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer said the UAE’s pledge of MVR 1.2 billion was negotiated by the Solih government.
By
Aishath Fareeha Abdulla
The UAE's decision to provide USD 80 million (MVR 1.2 billion) for the Velana International Airport (VIA) project was directly proposed by himself, President-elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu said on Sunday.
Last week, the President-elect paid an unofficial visit to the UAE. During the visit, the UAE assured Muizzu that it would provide MVR 1.2 billion for the completion of the new terminal project, his office said.
President-elect's office spokesman Mohammed Firzul said the Abu Dhabi Fund has assured Muizzu that the funds will be provided to complete the airport project.
The airport project has been delayed and, with design changes, an additional USD 79.80 million is needed to complete the project, he said, adding that the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has assured USD 80 million in response to Muizzu's request.
Responding to Firzul’s comments, Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer said the UAE’s pledge of MVR 1.2 billion was negotiated by the government of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Ameer noted that the Solih government has allocated additional funds for the airport project and has met with the financiers of the project this year and last year.
Speaking to reporters after his visit to the airport on Sunday to inspect the progress of the work, the President-elect said the money was directly proposed by him in a meeting he had with Abu Dhabi government officials.
"It was proposed at that meeting. Nothing had been done before. I came to Male with their permission and announced that I had received the money. I was told to announce it; as per the relevant procedures, they said they will release the funds in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance on the basis of support already being given from the Abu Dhabi Fund,” he said.
The president-elect aims to start using the airport's new terminal for next year's tourist season. Noting that many of the works of the project are still unfinished, he said the project will be completed as he has targeted.
The airport's new terminal:
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It was handed over to the Saudi Bin Laden Group in May 2016
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Costs USD 350 million (MVR 5.3 billion).
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A terminal capable of serving 7.5 million passengers
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40 departure gates and 38 immigration counters
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Aero bridges will be installed to board the flight
