Author: Mohamed Reehaan
Urbanco has recently announced that the transport of electric vehicles across the channel between Hulhumale’ 1 and Hulhumale’ 2 are restricted with the exemption of jet skis. The two towns are connected via overwater bridges that run across the channel. Urbanco said that the channel is now reserved primarily for swimming activities and added that water sports activities, canoeing and jet skis are welcome in the channel. It said the decision was motivated to preserve the area’s tranquility and safety.
Litus Maldives is facing a lawsuit from Maldives Pension Administration Office (MPAO) after the former failed to deposit over MVR 293,000 in pension for its employees. Civil Court on September 13, issued an order which highlighted the company had not deposited pensions for its employees since April 2020 until February 2021, and against from May 2021 until October 2022. The company also failed to settle SPC on the overdue amount during the period. The court order said Litus Maldives owed MVR 293,450.94 to MPAO after deducting non-reconciliated amount. The lawsuit demanded Litus to pay the fine for the outstanding pension…
The cumulative total of state expenditure reached MVR 32.1 billion as of September 21, 2023. The cumulative total of state revenues, inclusive of foreign grants, reached MVR 23.9 billion by the review period. The overall balance for the period is a deficit of MVR 8.2 billion. The cumulative total of tax-revenues as of September 21 reached MVR 17.9 billion whereas in the corresponding period last year, the total stood at MVR 14.6 billion. On the other hand, cumulative total of non-tax revenues reached MVR 5.7 billion while in the same period in 2022, the total stood at MVR 5.4 billion.…
Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has pledged 300 housing flats for individuals employed in the tourism industry for over 15 years. State Minister of the Ministry of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure (MNPHI), Akram Kamaluddin said that providing long-term housing solutions for employees in the tourism industry is crucial part of the incumbent president’s manifesto. “It is a pledge of the president to provide housing solutions for tourism industry employees,” Akram said. The government previously facilitated a minimum wage for employees in the tourism industry, a development that came in response to ongoing appeals from employees of the sector. Akram…
State Electric Company (STELCO) Managing Director Ahmed Shareef assured a 30-50% reduction on electricity bills once power band is changed to a flat rate. The utility provider’s move is a result of Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s pledge to place a flat rate on electricity bills regardless of consumption. The change will be effective nationwide. Speaking about this, Shareef said the most common customer complaint was the surge in electricity bills during the hot season. He added that the issue would be resolved with the flat-rate pricing decision. The STELCO MD also said that seven bands were allocated for residences…
Vakkaru Maldives expands its luxury accommodation offerings by adding a new flexible-type Beach Pool Residence to its villas. The new villas are now available to book for stays from December 1, 2023 onwards, while the adjoining three- and four-bedroom Beach Pool Residence can be adapted to guest preferences. The new villas also offer flexibility for parties that “require privacy whilst having a communal gathering space.” Vakkaru Maldives further added that when booked as a three-bedroom residence, the whole space extends over 450 square-meters and accommodate up to six adults and three children; perfect for traveler-families and larger paxes. The main…
Maldives national carrier, Maldivian (Airline) has signed a firm order for two more ATR 42-600 aircraft. The airline first introduced ATRs in January 2023 and currently operates two ATR 72-600s and one ATR 42,600. The modern plans are powered by extra efficient PW127XT engines and feature spacious cabins. Maldivian aims to provide more reliable and affordable connectivity to the island nation’s businesses and communities. “Passengers flying with Maldivian will benefit from state-of-the-art aircraft that provide responsible and affordable connectivity for many years to come,” said Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR. Maldivian aims to phase out the aging…
The Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (MNPHI) has publicized the land-use plan for Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF). The plan illustrates the government’s plan for social housing projects in the zone. The state plans to issue and allocate housing units and land plots from UTF to citizens residing in Male’ City for a duration of 20 years and more, or for individuals on Male’ registry for the same duration. The plan comes under the government-initiated Binveriya Scheme’s second phase. Recipients of the first phase are already receiving their designated plots. State Minister of MNPHI Akram Kamaluddin said a total…
Land reclamation for Hulhumale’ Phase 3 officially commenced earlier on September 22, Friday. Urbanco, which manages Hulhumale’, confirmed reclamation of 63 hectares of land under the Phase 3 initiative. Land reclamation for Phase 3 would commence from the north-west end the bridge tunnel between Phase 1 and Phase 2, and extend to the entire lagoon up to the northern-tip of Phase 2; meaning the semi-reclaimed Farukolhufushi would be part of the new phase. Urbanco said that Phase 3 would solve prevailing housing difficulties of Male’ citizens and residents. According to Urbanco, the new phase is designated for various social housing…
Dhiraagu introduces two different packages for its fiber home internet service. The packages were introduced to allow customers at home to browse, stream and download games at faster speed. The two new packages include the 50M unlimited package available at MVR 1,490 and and the 100M unlimited package, available at MVR 2,800. Existing Dhiraagu broadband internet subscribers can easily upgrade their plan using the Dhiraagu App or Dhiraagu MyAccount. Interested customers in obtaining the new Dhiraagu Fiber Internet connection can apply through Dhiraagu website.