President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has pledged to transform Addu city into a robust global hub with over 7000 tourist beds to accommodate visitors from all over the world.
On Saturday, Solih launched a mega-project for land reclamation in the southern city. The project by the Dutch company Van Oord has to be completed in 18 months.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the president highlighted the historical significance of the project and emphasised its role as the “initial stride towards the realisation of a vibrant global city.”
“He highlighted the synchronised progress of the land reclamation and road construction projects in conjunction with the integrated tourism project in Hankede,” the president’s office said in a press release.
President Solih speaks at the ceremony. -- Photo: President's Office
The development plans for Addu include airport expansion, operating Shangrilla resort, developing Hankede and developing local tourism with guesthouses and hotels.
Spearheaded by Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC), the development plan for Hankede encompasses diverse tourism facilities catering to various markets and sectors with a range of accommodation options such as resorts, hotels and guesthouses.
The Hankede project will be carried out by China National Electrical Engineering Company. A loan of USD 142.9 million was taken from the Bank of China for the project.
Solih said the project is currently in its initial stages and is projected to be completed within two years.
Addu City would have the capacity to accommodate 7000 tourist beds when the project is complete, he added.
“President Solih's administration is deeply committed to the comprehensive development of Addu City, recognising its potential to become the region's primary economic hub,” the president’s office press release read.
