Former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer has stated that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government originally proposed developing Velana International Airport (VIA).
Speaking at an MDP rally held on Thursday night, Ameer said the concept of modernizing the country’s main airport was introduced during the administration of former President Mohamed Nasheed in 2008. He noted that although the current government is promoting the project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the foundation for the airport's development was laid by the MDP.
Ameer highlighted that the airport was handed over to a private contractor during the Nasheed government to attract four billion tourists to the Maldives. He said the expansion of the terminal and runway was part of the original plans.
He added that if the airport had remained with GMR, it would have been developed to a level capable of serving four billion tourists, and that the economic benefits of that vision would now be felt in the Maldives.
Ameer also alleged that the current administration has repeatedly increased the cost of the terminal project and facilitated corruption in the process.
Speaking at an MDP rally held on Thursday night, Ameer said the concept of modernizing the country’s main airport was introduced during the administration of former President Mohamed Nasheed in 2008. He noted that although the current government is promoting the project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the foundation for the airport's development was laid by the MDP.
Ameer highlighted that the airport was handed over to a private contractor during the Nasheed government to attract four billion tourists to the Maldives. He said the expansion of the terminal and runway was part of the original plans.
He added that if the airport had remained with GMR, it would have been developed to a level capable of serving four billion tourists, and that the economic benefits of that vision would now be felt in the Maldives.
Ameer also alleged that the current administration has repeatedly increased the cost of the terminal project and facilitated corruption in the process.
