The development of a picnic island in the Male' area has been contracted to seven companies.
Malé lacks a natural beach and its inhabitants flock to reclaimed suburbs Hulhumalé and nearby Vilimalé on weekends. The lack of a nearby picnic island to which residents of the city can visit for leisure has always been a complaint. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had vowed to establish a picnic island in the Male' area during his electoral campaign.
While the development of the picnic island has been contracted to seven companies on Thursday, the companies will be developing the island under CSR policy. The companies are already developing resorts on the reclaimed Emboodhoo lagoon.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, a representative from Emboodhoo developer 'Singha Estate' said the island will be developed in a traditional Maldivian style, and will allow Maldivian companies and people to benefit from the project. Villas will be designed in such a way that it can accommodate up to six families at a time, he said.
The company stated that they are working to conclude the first phase of the island development by the end of the year, and hopes to open it to the public next year.
Situated 15 minutes away from Male' city by speed launch, the picnic Island will provide an array of facilities and activities ranging from water sports, barbecues, beach sport, etc. Special activities and services for children will be available, in addition to family rooms, kids clubs, separate changing rooms for men and women, life guard facilities and first aid facilities.
