Ungoofaaru-Dhuvaafaru ferry to be introduced

A dedicated ferry service is to be introduced between the islands of Ungoofaaru and Dhuvaafaru in Raa atoll. 

The Transport Ministry stated that the ferry service would be launched tomorrow in response to requests from residents during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's visit to the atoll. 

The service would provide convenience and save time and cost for residents of the islands, the ministry said. 

RTL ferry services are provided at the atoll even at present. This newly introduced ferry is an additional service. 

The ministry said that under these new arrangements, the ferry will make three round trips between Ungoofaaru and Dhuvaafaru every day, in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. 

Speed ferry trips between the islands take approximately 10 minutes. 

"The true benefit of this will be felt across the atoll's economy. Connecting two main hubs of the atoll in this way will promote access to business, health and other services in the atoll," the ministry said. 

As Ungoofaru is the administrative capital of the atoll, and has the Regional Hospital, many in the atoll travel to the island daily. As such, this ferry would be a welcome convenience for service seekers, the ministry said. 

The ministry stated that the government's decision to introduce this ferry is an important step taken towards connecting transport systems and providing easy access to essential services.