President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has assured that seeking foreign aid and funds will be facilitated due to the robust and responsible foreign affairs policy of the incoming government.
Dr. Muizzu, along with senior members of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC) coalition, attended an inspection of the progress of Velana International Airport's (VIA) new passenger terminal expansion project.
After the inspection, Dr. Muizzu, speaking to local media present at the site, emphasized that he personally secured USD 80 million from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) recently. He also added that no other efforts for the acceleration of VIA's expansion were made prior to his recent request to the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) fund.
The President-elect highlighted the earlier arranged pledge of USD 100 million from the Saudi Fund and promised that he will secure additional funds if required for the acceleration of the airport project.
"I am certain that securing funds will not be an issue for us, based on how we shape our foreign policies. I am not worried about securing funds for this project," Dr. Muizzu said.
After inspecting project's progress, Dr. Muizzu said that 54 percent of the initiative contracted to Saudi's Bin Laden Group has been completed.
However, the President-elect pointed out that crucial components were excluded from the project scope, including the development of the service road that connects the airport's operations. Dr. Muizzu affirmed that this component will be contracted to the Bin Laden Group immediately after assuming office, and added that the task will require 10 months to complete.
"Unless the task is handed right now, it is unlikely the work concludes to the mentioned date [of October 2024]," Dr. Muizzu added.
Dr. Muizzu further said that the development of VIA's duty-free zone has not been contracted to anyone, and added that the absence of one of the main sources of income for the venue will impede the overall operations of the airport.
He also stressed on the need for the expansion of the airport apron and emphasized the importance of awarding a contractor to develop the tourist arrival area.
While highlighting the areas of improvement, Dr. Muizzu said that the airport is in need of a jet terminal and airport parking as well.
"We will ensure that these tasks run in parallel and secure funds for them if needed," Dr. Muizzu said.
The President-elect earlier emphasized that one of his top priorities upon assuming office will be to expedite the completion of Velana International Airport.
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