Following the findings and evaluation of the fact-finding trip to the northern atolls in December 2020 and the government’s post COVID-19 program, SLM has revised the investment and operational plan.
Although our commencement has been delayed due to travel restrictions and COVID-19 induced sensitive financial market. We are confident to announce that work will commence in early Q2/2021.
With the atolls and islands outside of the 100 Km radius feeling the impact of COVID-19 trade and tourism depression more than the Male’ area. It is our aim to provide a mechanism to boost the economies of those areas most affected.
To this end, we have revised the SLM operations to facilitate and provide an economic engine in providing a transport service that is commensurate with market economies and the present market volume. This will allow for the opportunity to increase goods and services to the target zones over the next 2 years with a supply cost advantage. The added advantage and estimated cost benefit feasibility will revitalize the economy and provide increased business opportunity.
We are confident that by Q3/2022 the northern atolls will have a growth of 25-30 percent over the same period of 2019 and 2020 with our revised Mass Transport System and the multi-sectoral drive. We remain optimistic and committed to pursue our ambitions to facilitate the growth of the atoll communities.