Yesterday, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced plans for the construction of nine additional airports in the Maldives. He declared that doing so would result in economic growth and job opportunities for locals living in the islands.
Yesterday, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced plans for the construction of nine additional airports in the Maldives. The President’s resolution, as gazetted by the President’s Office, also established the minimum investment required for the construction of these airports.
Under the Tourism Act, there has been a change in the minimum investment required for projects aimed at benefiting the State.
The resolution dictates the islands where nine new airports will be built, and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has also decided to proceed with the development of existing airports.
Nine islands where new airports will be built: - Haa Alif Dhidhoo - Shaviyani Dhiguveli - Shaviyani Milandhoo - Noonu Vihafaru - Raa Fainu - Alif Alif Mathiveri - Faafu Nilandhoo - Gaafu Alif Maalhendhoo - Thaa Guraidhoo The resolution also mandates the construction of an airport on an island designated by the government.
Additionally, the resolution calls for the development of airports where construction has already commenced. These include Haa Dhaalu Makunudhoo, Shaviyani Bileffahi, Raa Alifushi, Thaa Vilufushi and Meemu Muli. The minimum cost required to complete these airports is USD 4 million.
It also stipulates that a minimum investment of USD 4 million should be made in Addu Gan International Airport, Funadhoo Airport, Dharavandhoo Airport, Kulhudhuffushi Airport, Fuvamulah Airport and Maavarulu Airport.
The resolution specifies that USD 7 million will be required to construct an international airport in Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo and Gaafu Alif Villingili. It further declares an investment of USD 7 million for the coastal tourism project in Laamu Gan and an additional USD 10 million for the coastal tourism project in Addu.
During his visit to Raa atoll earlier this month, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu remarked on the airport situation. Several islands in the atoll have proposed to construct the airport. Hence, he stated that the airport will be built in accordance with the needs of the people.
He expressed his commitment to fulfilling his promise regarding the airports and assured that he would consider the wishes of the residents. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said that the airports would stimulate economic growth on the islands, leading to job opportunities and various other benefits to the locals. However, he did not announce the location of the airport.
During last year’s presidential campaign, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu declared in Raa Inguraidhoo that he would construct the airport in Raa Fainu, in line with former President Abdulla Yameen’s vision. The residents of Inguraidhoo also supported the construction of the airport in Fainu. However, residents of the other islands advocated for the reclamation of Beriyanfaru and the construction of the airport there.
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