President decides to develop new airports on nine islands, 24 days before Majlis polls

Mar 28, 2024, 10:07 AM
President Muizzu at a campaign event. -- Photo: Iyad Abdul Wahhab/ Adhadhu

President Muizzu at a campaign event. -- Photo: Iyad Abdul Wahhab/ Adhadhu

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has included airports on an additional nine islands in an amended decree with important projects to be carried out under an economic policy needed for achieving the state's general welfare.

The President announced the projects with 24 days left for this year's parliamentary elections.

The President revised the last amendment brought to the decree by the previous government in August. Several projects of the current government were included in the new amendment but some projects were omitted.

Projects to develop an airport in Vaavu atoll and to upgrade the Dhaal Kudahuvadhoo airport to international status were removed with the new amendment. The two projects were not included either under a project to complete work on airports currently under development.

The islands designated for new airports include Haa Alif Dhidhdhoo, Shaviyani Dhiguveli, Shaviyani Milandhoo, Noonu Vihafaru, Raa Fainu, Alif Alif Mathiveri, Faafu Nilandhoo, Gaaf Alif Maalhendhoo and Thaa Guraidhoo. Moreover, the President also decided to build an additional airport in Laamu atoll on an island to be chosen by the government.

The project to complete airports under development includes Haa Dhaal Makunudhoo, Raa Alifushi, Meemu Muli, Shaviyani Bilehfahi, Baa Thulhaadhoo and Thaa Vilufushi.

Moreover, the upgrading of many existing airports in the country was also included in the President's decree. Further development of the Addu city Gan airport, Shaviyani Funadhoo airport, Baa Dharavandhoo airport, Haa Dhaal Kulhudhuffushi airport, Fuvahmulah airport, Gaaf Alif Villingili airport, Gaaf Dhaal Thinadhoo airport, Gaaf Dhaal Maavarulu airport were included as separate projects.

Aside from airport projects, 'Asseyri' tourism projects in Addu and Laamu atoll were also included in the President's decree.

The People's Majlis elections are scheduled to take place on April 21.

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