Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) said on Thursday that the temporary facility being set up to relocate Villimale’ Ferry Terminal in Male’ City would be completed within three months.
The temporary terminal will provide services to commuters during the course of the terminal development project.
Head of MTCC’s Executive Bureau Shifau Ali said “work on the temporary terminal is under way and that it is expected to be completed within the next three months.”
“All facilities within the existing terminal will be moved to the temporary facility being set up on the parking lot adjacent to the current ferry terminal,” he said.
The Villimale’ Ferry Terminal project will see the development of two 12-storey terminal buildings.
MTCC, which is the contractor of the US$20-million project, said “two banks have already expressed interest in financing the project, and the first phase of the project will commence as soon as funds are secured.”
According to MTCC, the project will be carried out in two phases with a 12-storey terminal building to be constructed in each phase.
“The concept design and other details of the project have been finalised, and we are currently working to secure finances for the project,” Shifau said.
The first phase of the project, expected to be completed within 18 months, will see the development of a 12-storey terminal building which will include cafes, shops, youth recreation centres, and a cinema.
A 12-storey terminal building with lounges and accommodation facilities will also be constructed under the second phase, and the two buildings will be connected with a sky bridge, the state-owned contractor said.
The company also plans to build a four-storey parking lot under the phase 2 of the project.