President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to develop an additional airport in Noonu Atoll, and pledged accelerated development for projects implemented in Holhudhoo. He made the remarks while addressing residents of Holhudhoo as part of his ongoing tour of the Atoll’s inhabited islands.
At a meeting with Holhudhoo residents held at the island’s Meynaa School on Tuesday, the President said the government has plans for the further develop and expand the existing international airport in Noonu Atoll. Noting that tourism is thriving in the Atoll, the President said the establishment of a terminal and other facilities at the international airport, as well as the development of a city hotel will upgrade the airport to a high standard.
Despite the planned upgrades, the President expressed the need for an additional domestic airport to serve the area around Holhudhoo, Velidhoo and Fodhdhoo. He noted that even by the government’s standards, an airport needs to be established for the area. While the government’s policy is to develop airports within 30 minutes of inhabited islands, the President said an airport needs to be developed on Vihafaru near Velidhoo, under this policy. The practical work of the project is set to commence early next year, he said, with the benefits of the airport reaching nearby islands and resorts while also contributing to broader economic growth.
The President emphasised that the airport project is important for medium and long term development, and complements other development projects to be implemented in the atoll. In addition, while a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) permit has been issued for a township project, an airport would play a vital role in facilitating economic diversifications, noted. The project is expected to be completed within two years.
The President assured that the coming months will accelerate development projects. Recalling the pledges he made to Holhudhoo during the presidential campaign, the President said he would fulfill all pledges. The projects will progress at faster paces than it did over the last 1.5 years, he said.
The President affirmed that the government will work in accordance with the people’s wishes, adding that Holhumeedhoo, which falls under Holhudhoo’s jurisdiction, will be developed as part of the Holhudhoo as per the existing land use plan. However, the island cannot be populated unless crucial facilities are developed on the island, including water and sewerage services, he noted. While these projects will be costly, they will be included in next year’s budge, paving the way for housing and other economic opportunities, he added.
Noting the difficulties encountered in establishing Holhudhoo’s water and sewerage system, the President said the difficulties have now been overcome, and the government will encourage the contractor to complete the project within two months. Road development will also be conducted simultaneously.
The President also highlighted the difficulties faced in using the island’s harbour. He pledged to dredge and reclaim the maximum possible land for the island, and assured that the practical work would begin during the current year.
Speaking on education, President Muizzu said the practical work of the construction of a new school building for Holhudhoo’s Maynaa School will begin over the next two or three months. Regarding health sector projects, the President said he would increase the space available at the island’s health centre, a necessary step for upgrading services.
The President also said that an Islamic centre will be built in Holhudhoo next year. He said that the construction of a new police building is also ready to commence. Sports facilities will also be established in the island, including football and handball courts.
Meeting with Holhudhoo Island Council
Earlier on Tuesday, President Muizzu met with members of the Holhudhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key developmental priorities. The meeting was held at the Council Secretariat.
During the meeting, the Council raised concerns regarding delays in the water network development, housing issues, and the proposal to merge Meyna School into a single campus. Additional matters discussed included the need for more space at the health centre and improvements to waste management facilities. The Council also appealed for an increase in the area allocated for the harbour currently under development, as well as the construction of either an Islamic Centre or a mosque.
In response, President Dr Muizzu assured the participants that the issues raised would be thoroughly reviewed. He also provided updates on ongoing projects, with further details shared by cabinet ministers and heads of state-owned enterprises.
Contract Awarded for New Building for Meynaa School
During the visit, the contract for the development of a four-story building in Meynaa School was handed over to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The agreement was signed on behalf of the government by Minister of Education Ismail Shafeeu. MTCC was represented by its Managing Director Ahmed Saudi. The work was awarded to MTCC for USD 2.18 million with a completion date of 470 days.
The new building will feature 17 classrooms. Offices, administrative space, library, computer lab, audio visual room, laboratory and prayer room will also be established. A football pitch for sports will also be developed. and will be equipped with the necessary facilities to change the school into a single campus. Currently, primary and secondary education is taught on the island at two different schools on opposite ends of the island. With the new building, all grades will be moved to one building and space constraints will be resolved.
Presidential Tour Covers Inhabited Islands Across Noonu Atoll
Holhudhoo is the eighth destination on President Muizzu's four-day official visit to Noonu Atoll. Upon his arrival, the President was welcomed by the island Council, WDC, government staff as well as residents of the islands.
The tour, which spans 21–24 July, includes stops at Hen’badhoo, Maafaru, Holhudhoo, Lhohi, Kudafari, Ken'dhikulhudhoo, Velidhoo, Manadhoo, Magoodhoo, Maalhendhoo, Miladhoo, Fodhdhoo, and Landhoo.