Transport

 Key to Economics of Scale: Transport

"The under-developed status of the country's transport network is a major constraint to the sustainable development of the nation"*

*World Bank

"Inter-island transportation services are infrequent, expensive, and problematic. About 15 percent of the atoll population has reportedly to travel more than two hours by boat to reach the nearest health center or hospital. More than half of the inhabited islands are not always accessible due to problems with harbors, absence of jetties, impassable shallow waters and impenetrable reefs. read more

7th National Development Plan

"The under-developed status of the country's transport network is a major constraint to the sustainable development of the nation. The transport needs of the country have been assessed and a draft Transport Master Plan was released in June 2005. However, since this document is found inadequate, it is now open for further consultation for the development of a new National Transport Master Plan. An efficient maritime domestic transport network is critical for the holistic development of the nation". read more 

In-Depth Tehnology Needs assessment on Transport Sector  

"Developing of an appropriate integrated transport system combining the land, and sea transport system is important to further the development of the country as islands and population of Maldives are extremely scattered. On average 18 boats travelled to atoll capital at least in a month and 29 boats traveled once or twice to Male from atolls (MPND & UNDP 1998) " read more   

Evidence and depth of centralization of even basic services in Maldives can be seen from above statement.  people in the atolls have to travel great distances and come to the Capital Male’ for basic services, which is hardly accessible or available even in the Atoll Capitals. 

Access to tourism products from other islands outside Male' region still a dream for most islanders!

"All previous tourism master plans have called for the development of additional major transport hubs to the south and north"

"Over the years, this ideal has not changed much. From the tourism industry’s viewpoint, there remains a vital structural need for major investments in the development of southern and northern transport hubs. The need is even greater at present, and affecting Government income, because a solution is required to the difficulties currently faced by the leased but underdevelopment properties in the south and north. The industry sees no reason why charters cannot ope rate to the south and the north, as soon as about 2000 beds are available in each vicinity. Resort investors need the certainty of knowing the hubs will be developed before finishing the under developed properties. Market planners project continued demand from long haul markets. Charters have worked well for Maldives consistently in the past" read more  

 "The biggest reason for the unsustainable increase in medical expenditure of our nation is due to transport"

Health Minister Dr Maryam Shakeela