Minister of Tourism, Ali Waheed has revealed that resort development projects in 70 of the 115 islands or lagoons leased by the previous administration have been discontinued.
Speaking at a press conference, Tourism Minister Ali Waheed shared the information of the projects awarded by the previous administration under lease agreements.
The Minister said that 70 of the projects awarded have had no progress despite the initial launching. These include islands leased for the development of tourist resorts and facilities in uninhabited islands and lagoons.
According to the Tourism Minister, while the discontinued development projects have cost the state a significant amount in loss, the ministry aims to bring necessary changes and development of policies in the sector by April next year.
The ministry also plans to meet the councils across the country to clarify the stakeholders as part of the efforts to ensure to stop unlawful acts and practices.