Practical work on 17 resorts planned for Vilin’gili Lagoon in Gaafu Alifu Atoll is expected to begin next month, Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen has said.
Speaking at the Ahaa Forum tonight, Ameen was asked whether work on the 17 resorts would begin this year. He said the project would move forward next month following the signing of a new contract.
The resort development project was initially awarded to BESIX Construction Group on February 22, 2024, at a cost of approximately $750 million. The Belgian-French construction company was also involved in the construction of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.
However, the agreement with BESIX was later cancelled, with the government deciding to award the project to another party. Ameen did not disclose the reason for cancelling the original agreement or identify the new contractor.
Separately, practical work on the planned Vilin’gili International Airport is also expected to begin next month, Ameen said.
