Three parties have submitted bids to dredge islands where airports would be developed.
The government is working to develop airports in six islands on a cross-subsidy basis. While developers have already been secured to build airports in one of the islands -- F. Magoodhoo -- developers are being sought to build airports in HDh. Makunudhoo, Sh. Bilehfahi, B. Thulhaadhoo, Th. Vilufushi, and an unspecified island in R. atoll.
The Planning Ministry Monday said three bids had been received to dredge land in four of the islands. They are HDh. Makunudhoo, Sh. Bilehfahi, B. Thulhaadhoo, and Th. Vilufushi. The ministry said bidding was not open to the public and was carried out through a restricted tendering process.
The Planning Ministry said it is evaluating the bids in collaboration with the Finance Ministry.
It is a policy of the incumbent government to have an airport within 30 minutes of every residential island.
