The Maamahi Executive Lounge for VVIPs opened in the ground floor of Velana International Airport’s new VIP terminal. Work is ongoing on separate lounges for VIP and CIP services on the first and second floors of the 6,800-square metre four-storey building.
Fenaka Corporation launched an project to install solar panels in the roofs of private homes. The state-owned utility company – which provides electricity and water to most inhabited islands – plans to install solar power systems between two and five kilowatts in 1,000 private residences in the first phase of the government-funded programme. A household that uses about 300 units of electricity a month could save up to 90 percent from its power bill.
The Bank of Maldives announced a month-long lucky draw promotion for customers applying for Islamic financing, offering an MVR5,000 (US$324) gift card for weekly winners and an MVR50,000 gift card to the grand winner
The Environment Protection Agency slapped a fine of MVR539,750 (US$35,000) on a resort developer over violations of the Environment Impact Assessment report in building a resort on Vashugiri island in Vaavu Atoll. The EPA’s approval of assessment reports by independent consultants is required for projects that could damage the environment. The quasi-independent agency recently imposed a fine of MVR400,000 over similar violations in the development of a resort on Alif Dhaalu Maafushivaru island.
An MVR14.4 million (US$933,800) project funded by Indian grant aid was awarded to build and operate a “neighbourhood fish factory” in Addu City. The Addu City Council terminated a previous agreement due to the contractor’s failure to complete work within the agreed timeframe.
Revised criteria was announced for the government’s Gedhoruveriyaa loan scheme, which offers up to MVR700,000 (US$45,395) at a nine percent interest rate and 20-year repayment period for homeowners outside the capital. A requirement for applicants to have resided in their home island for the past three years was scrapped, allowing people from other islands who live in Malé to secure the home construction loans.
A new departure tax on passengers leaving from any Maldives airport came into force on 1 January and replaced the Airport Service Charge, which was levied at fixed rates of US$12 for Maldivians and US$25 for tourists and expatriates. The departure tax has progressive rates based on travel class starting with US$12 for Maldivians and US$30 for foreigners in economy class.
The civil court settled 67 percent of cases submitted to the dispute resolution stage without going to trial, statistics for 2021 showed. Of 4,616 lawsuits filed last year, 3,299 cases were sent for dispute resolution to seek a mediated settlement.
The first homestay tourism guests, including the UN resident coordinator and American and Sudanese couples, were warmly greeted on Dhiggaru island. Tourism Minister Dr Abdulla Mausoom attended the welcome ceremony to inaugurate the new local tourism product. The Moorithi house on the Meemu atoll island was the first residence registered in the country for homestay tourists.
