Maldives invites proposals for new prison, juvenile centre in exchange for tourism land
These developments are part of a list of 25 projects identified under the state’s economic policy framework.
Top Stories
The government has opened an invitation for proposals to develop a new central prison and a juvenile correctional facility, with investment returns structured through the leasing of Dh. Vaany and two lagoons for tourism purposes.
According to a gazetted notice from the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday, proposals are being sought to construct a 6,000-capacity central prison and a juvenile rehabilitation facility, known as 'Hope Island', at K. Uthuru Thila Falhu. The invitation is open to both domestic and foreign investors.
The government intends for the Central Prison to address current prison space constraints in the Maldives and eventually replace existing facilities. The new prison is to be built with high-level security features and in compliance with international standards.
Hope Island is envisioned as a treatment and rehabilitation facility for minors identified as being at risk of criminal activity. The facility is to serve up to 700 individuals, with the project expected to be completed by October 2027.
Interested parties may submit their proposals under one of the following models:
-
1-
Full Project Model – Includes land reclamation and full construction. Compensation will be offered through the lease of Dh. Vaany and two additional lagoons.
-
2-
Construction-Only Model – Covers building construction without land reclamation.
-
3-
Hybrid Model – Involves partial land reclamation and construction, with compensation linked to the development of two islands.
-
4-
Land Dredging Model – Includes potential profit from ancillary developments within the designated area.
The selected investors must bear all capital and operational expenses and ensure that the facility is commercially viable. Both projects are open to foreign bidders. Proposal evaluations will be based on financial capacity (50 percent), project implementation strategy (25 percent), and speed of completion (25 percent).
The minimum required investment for the Hope Island project is set at USD 25 million (approximately MVR 385 million), including USD 10 million for 15 hectares of land and USD 15 million for development works.
For the Central Prison project, the minimum required investment is USD 30 million (approximately MVR 462 million), split equally between land acquisition (30 hectares) and development.
Proposals for both projects must be submitted by Tuesday. These developments are part of a list of 25 projects identified under the state’s economic policy framework.
