Magoodhoo protest: Welding machine in question needed for Muli airport

A welding machine from F. Magoodhoo's airport development project was attempted to be taken to Muli because it was needed for the M. Muli airport project, said Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).

The statement followed protests in Magoodhoo after the company attempted to remove equipment brought in for the island’s airport project, which is largely complete. Protestors had also obstructed the removal of equipment from the island.

MTCC's Managing Director, Ahmed Saudhee said the welding machine in question was no longer required for Magoodhoo's airport, but one needed for Muli airport which the company wants to complete by April 25.

However, Magoodhoo airport's work will also be carried out according to the client's requirements, he assured.

"We were going to take a welding machine. It is not required to complete Magoodhoo airport at the moment" Saudhee said.

Regarding the issue, Magoodhoo island council's President Abdulla Waheed told Mihaaru News that the company had first tried to transport the welding plant via an MTCC vessel.

"So, when some residents went and asked the captain of the vessel, they were told only the [welding plant] was being taken," he said.

However, Waheed claimed that additional equipment brought for the now paused airport project were also being attempted to be removed from the island.

He alleged that some 100 metal pipes, tiles and other materials were also set to be transported out of Magoodhoo, explaining that locals protested because the project had been stalled for two to three months, and equipment was being taken off the island without any updates.

He went onto say that while the airport previously had many employees, only five remain. Many of the equipment used there has also been taken away, with only a few left.

"There are a handful of vessels that are working now," he said.

"People are saying take the equipment away after clarifying the situation. [To explain] if the work has ended, or what the plan is if they intend to continue," Waheed said.

"The police called me and asked me to find a way to do this [take away the equipment]. But I told them that if I were to do that now, it would cause unrest," he went on to say.

Three months ago, the airport was completely halted with about 75 percent of the project completed. The runway, tower and fire station were also largely done.

Magoodhoo locals protested regarding the issue a few days prior to this as well. Construction Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthhalib has earlier said that he had not asked MTCC to stop the project.

Neighbouring island of F. Nilandhoo is also getting a new airport in line with government pledges. However, Magoodhoo airport is one of the most expensive domestic airports being developed in the country at MVR 252 million.

The airport is being built with a 1,800-metre long runway, which would accommodate private jets. The airport will also have a jet parking area, a fuel farm, a VIP lounge and a city hotel