Malé, Maldives – The Managing Director of Maldives State Shipping (MSS) Abdulla Saeed stated today that the prices of goods are unstable due to the appalling service received at the Addu City Hithadhoo Port.
During the questioning session by the State and Enterprise Committee of the Maldives Parliament, Saeed denied the committees findings that the prices of goods received at the Hithadhoo Port are high. Instead, Saeed stated that the price varies due to the steep charges by the Maldives Ports Limited and appalling service at the Addu City Hithadhoo Port.
It takes 20 days to unload 3,700 tonnes of goods at the Addu [City Hithadhoo] Port … The perishable unloading operations are appalling. Cargo is unloaded manually on shoulders when owners go for collection.
Maldives State Shipping (MSS) MD Abdulla Saeed
Saeed pointed out a large array of logistical issues starting from difficulties in rolling off goods from the cargo ship due to the increased rolling of the ships. The State Trading Organisation is forced to unload the goods.
Further, Saeed stated that the prices are the same as for goods received at the capital city Malé port. The MSS MD emphasized that with this the Addu City residents are receiving goods at a discounted rate. He also said that the company has held meetings with MPL to resolve these issues.
