The Maldivian government has denied the claims being circulated to the effect that the work of developing the new international commercial port at Thilafushi was handed to a Chinese company after distancing India, and in preference to a particular party.
The government commenced a major project earlier this year to relocate the Malé Commercial Harbour to Thilafushi, and the work of developing the international and domestic quay walls under the said project was awarded to China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC).
In a press statement issued by the Economic Ministry, it was said that the project had been awarded in accordance with the principles determined by the government for the conduct of infrastructure projects of this nature, and in conformity with the laws of the Maldives.
The ministry said that the said decision was one taken solely with regard to the long-term development priorities of the Maldives, and that it was not a decision arrived at owing to any change in the relationship with any foreign partner, or to any particular view held of such a partner.
Besides this, the ministry said that the full authority over the development of the Thilafushi port, its ownership and its operation, will at all times remain under the control of the Maldivian government.
The statement went on to say that the independence and sovereignty of the Maldives are not matters upon which any concession is available, and that no foreign party has been entitled, in the past or at present, to have a say over the infrastructure decisions of the Maldives beyond the extent permitted by the law and by the national interest.
What is the project itself?
The relocation of the Malé Commercial Harbour to Thilafushi is a pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, and is being carried out by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) on a 20 hectare site, with completion set for November 11, 2027.
The first phase, described as the Local Harbour Relief Project, was signed with CHEC in February of this year, and covers survey and design work along with a 125 meter quay wall, container storage and the installation of port cranes. On completion of the wider project, the Thilafushi port is to have an international quay wall exceeding 1000 meters and a domestic terminal with a 2000-meter quay area for the vessels presently using the Malé North Harbour and the South West Jetty.
A separate portion of the work, comprising a 100-meter domestic quay wall and the paving of a three hectare area, was awarded to MTCC in July.