Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), on Monday, has declined to comment on rumors claiming efforts are underway to sell the port being developed in Thilafushi to resolve high traffic to the Male’ Commercial Harbor to Dubai Post World (DP World).
Similar rumors claiming that the government was in discussion at various levels to handover the operations of Male’ Commercial Harbor to a foreign company had surfaced prior to this as well.
The rumors were reiterated by former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyom during a PNF event on Sunday night, who called on the government to cease these efforts. Yameen alleged that the government was proceeding with efforts to “sell” a port even if it has not been voluntarily disclosed by the government.
Citing DP World as a Dubai-based company, Yameen said senior officials from the company had directly approached him during his administration, seeking the port. However, Yameen said he refused the proposal.
When Sun sought a comment from MPL, the operator of the port, regarding the allegations, the state-owned company’s media official declined to comment.
In his remarks on Sunday night, Yameen explained the Maldives’ port will become strategically important for sea transportation due to its location and ongoing regional changes. He added that Thailand plans to build a canal to replace the congested Malacca Strait, and with that canal, the Maldives’ port could become the strongest in the region.
He equated that handing over Thilafushi Port to DP World to former president Mohamed Nasheed administration’s transfer of Maldives’ main airport, Velana International Airport (VIA)’s operations to India’s GMR, describing it as giving DP World the keys to the nation’s armory.
Yameen warned that foreign management of the port would hinder smuggling oversight and cost MPL employees their jobs.
While development of Thilafushi Port is ongoing, MPL has said that the first phase of the project is expected to be completed next year, with MVR 60 million allocated for this phase alone. All remaining work at the port is expected to be finished within 10 years.