Maldives National Party (MNP) leader Mohamed Nazim has pledged to link Gaafu Alifu atoll Kooddoo and Vilingili via a bridge and expand the fisheries activity in Kooddoo.
Nazim, who is currently visiting Gaafu Alifu atoll for his presidential campaign, while speaking at the rally in Vilingili said that the island’s development is possible through the comprehensive development of the entire Huvadhoo atoll (Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls), Addu City and Fuvahmulah City.
During the rally, Nazim highlighted the importance of connecting Kooddoo with Vilingili via a bridge. “In my presidency, we will connect Kooddoo with Vilingili to maximize economical benefit for the islands.”
The MNP leader noted that Kooddoo hasn't seen much change since his last visit 25 years ago, emphasizing that the fish processing island requires substantial redevelopment to stimulate economic growth.
"This is a fishing community. I have a dream to bring about a revolutionary change to Kooddoo. Despite various governments addressing the issue, they have failed to bring about any tangible change," Nazim said.
- Expand cold storage capacity
- Establish storage with the capacity to store 10,000 tons of fish
- Introduce new market for products made from fish by-products
- Develop a cannery with the capacity of processing 200 tons of fish
- Establish a weighing facility to scale and weigh 1,500 tons of fish
Nazim pledged to enhance fisheries activities in the Maldives during his presidency. "We have a policy to improve fishing vessels for those interested in fishing. We will equip these vessels with modern technology and provide fishers with long-term repayment plans," he said.
The current Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)-led government awarded a contract to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) in January 2023 to connect Kooddoo and Vilingili. Despite the government's stipulated 180-day timeline for the project's completion, it has not been concluded yet.
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