Govt to relocate main fuel storage to Maagiri lagoon
Despite various governments trying to stop fuel storage in Funadhoo, it has not happened yet.
By
Fathmath Ahmed Shareef
The government has decided to relocate the fuel storage facility in Funadhoo to the Maagiri lagoon in the same atoll, Kaafu.
This was announced by the President's Office Minister Abdulla Nazim at a press conference to announce the decisions taken at the cabinet meeting held on Sunday.
He said the cabinet had decided to take up the matter of shifting the fuel storage to the Maagiri lagoon near K. Kanduohgiri.
However, Nazim did not give any further details at Sunday's press conference.
President Mohammed Muizzu announced the decision to stop fuel storage in Funadhoo and turn the island into an economic hub at the inauguration ceremony of the second phase of the Velana International Airport development. The economic changes to be brought to Funadhoo were unveiled that evening.
President Muizzu said that evening:
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The work of stopping fuel storage in Funadhoo and relocating it will start this year; the work will be completed within the next six or two years
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With that, it is a vision to make it an international financial center as part of the implementation of the SEZ Act and a plan to expand beyond it
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Under the project, the island will be converted into an airport economic zone
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In addition to shopping centers and hotels, convention facilities and entertainment venues will be established
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Funadhoo-Male and Funadhoo-Hulhule will be connected by the bridge
Funadhoo is the main town used by STO to store fuel imported into Maldives. However, various sources have warned of a potential accident as a dangerous substance such as fuel is stored so close to the city and the airport.
Despite various governments trying to stop fuel storage in Funadhoo, it has not happened so far.
The then President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also promised during the last presidential election to stop fuel storage in Funadhoo and dedicate the island to convention tourism.
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