Capital Marine and Civil Construction (CMCC) has been contracted by Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to perform this job. A total of 63 hectares of land will be recovered as part of this project.

Since the project’s inception in September of last year, 23 hectares of land have been reclaimed.

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) issued directives that temporarily stopped reclamation because of the possibility of widespread coral bleaching in the reefs of the Maldives. With approval from the EPA, the operation has now restarted, and the remaining 40 hectares of land are being reclaimed.

According to HDC, the reclamation process would be hampered if certain boats that were docked in the nearby lagoon weren’t removed. They urged the owners of the vessels to get them out of the region as soon as possible.

The project, which cost MVR 259.2 million (about USD 16.7 million), has been turned over to CMCC. According to earlier statements from HDC, the expenses will be paid for by selling 9.8 hectares of Thilafushi land and 10 hectares of Hulhumale’ land.

In order to give land plots to Male citizens under the former government’s Binveriya housing program, Hulhumale Phase 3 is being reclaimed. Of the 9000 land plots that Male inhabitants are to receive, 1000 are located in Hulhumale alone.

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“The parliament’s National Security Services Committee has decided to conduct a parliamentary inquiry to investigate actions undertaken by President Solih’s administration that undermined the sovereignty and independence of the Maldives,” said MP Ahmed Azaan of central Hithadhoo constituency, according to reports in Maldivian media. He proposed to commence a parliamentary inquiry, alleging that the previous government’s actions affected the country’s independence and sovereignty. The actions being investigated include an agreement for hydrographic surveys, another for building the Uthuru Thilafalhu dockyard built with grant assistance from India, and yet another for the Dornier aircraft gifted by India to Maldives defense forces for humanitarian, search, and rescue operations.

Last year, Muizzu’s government announced that it would not renew the agreement with the Indian Navy for joint hydrographic surveys in Maldivian waters. Following this, Muizzu participated in Modi’s swearing-in on Sunday and met President Murmu on Monday, expressing gratitude for India’s continuous assistance to the Maldives.

“He conveyed that he looks forward to further strengthening existing relations,” said his office.

Controversy erupted when three outspoken deputy ministers used offensive language in response to PM Modi’s social media posts about his trip to Lakshadweep. The posts celebrated the natural beauty of the islands and its potential as a tourist attraction for India. Former presidents Ibrahim Solih and Mohamed Nasheed strongly condemned the ministers’ remarks.

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Fishing is the second leading economic sector of the Maldives with a significant amount of the country’s income being generated through the export of fish and other marine products. Tuna is the most common fish export from the Maldives.

The Maldivian economy is regarded as exemplary in the region and welcomes foreign investments.

Currency

Rufiyaa (MRF) and Laari (L) (1 Rufiyaa = 100 Laaris)
Rufiyaa bank notes came in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500
ATMs are available at the airport and in Male’ for those wanting to withdraw local currency.
Payments of most hard cash currencies are accepted at all resorts and hotels, and most major international credit cards are also accepted. Some resorts offer all-inclusive, cash-free holiday options.

In Male’, tourists can pay for purchases using Rufiyaa but US Dollars are also welcomed. Tourism goods and services in the Maldives are now subject to TGST (Tourism Goods and Services Tax), which is charged at 12%. This includes things such as souvenirs from the boutiques as well as drinks or food not included in your resort meal plan.

It’s recommended that if you have any significant amounts of Rufiyaa left at the end of your holiday you should change it before you leave as you will be unable to convert it at a foreign exchange outside of the Maldives.

Commonly used credit cards

• American Express
• Visa
• Master Card
• Diners Club
• JCB

Banking

The majority of the banks in Male’ are found on the strip of the island facing the airport. These include HSBC, Bank of Ceylon, State Bank of India and Bank of Maldives.

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