Mohamed Aslam, Minister of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure, has indicated that the Integrated National Public Ferry Network will be established in all Zone 1 islands by April.
He made the comments at a meeting with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and people of Manadhoo, Noonu Atoll.
Minister Aslam stated during the meeting that the government is trying to establish a high-speed ferry network in Zone 1, which includes all inhabited islands in Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and Shaviyani Atoll.
The housing minister stated that work is underway to build 17 ferries and build ferry terminals in Zone 1, and that the first vessel for the services has been tested. He went on to say that Gulf Craft Maldives has already built four of the ferries and that all of the vessels required for Zone 1 would be finished by April.
He also stated that work on expanding the high-speed ferry network to Noonu Atoll, Raa Atoll, Baa Atoll, and Lhaviyani Atoll will begin before the end of the year.
Furthermore, Minister Aslam stated that linking all Maldivian islands to the high-speed ferry network is a vow of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and that the government has no intention of privatising the services.
