Infrastructure, Fiscal Restraint and Rule of Law Define President Muizzu’s New Development Agenda in Fonadhoo

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced a sweeping infrastructure programme led by the redevelopment of Kadhdhoo Airport into an international facility, while vowing to honour government pledges without resorting to debt monetisation, commonly known as printing money.

The president outlined the plans during an address to residents of Fonadhoo in Laamu Atoll, where he formally launched the implementation of several campaign promises scheduled to begin this year and next. Agreements were signed at the ceremony, transferring responsibility for the projects to the relevant state entities.

Kadhdhoo airport redevelopment is positioned as the centrepiece of a broader tourism strategy

The centrepiece of the initiative is the transformation of Kadhdhoo Airport. President Muizzu confirmed that the facility will be upgraded to international standards, including the construction of a 2,800‑metre runway. The project has been entrusted to the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

Delivering the airport requires extensive land reclamation. A total of 144 hectares will be reclaimed: 114 hectares for the airport itself and 30 hectares for the development needs of Fonadhoo.

“The installation of the bund wall will be completed within approximately five months, followed by the commencement of the land reclamation work,” President Muizzu said. “Efforts will be made to finalise the land reclamation activities within a maximum period of one year.”

The government aims to complete the airport project within three years. The president noted that the development is critical to expanding tourism across the atoll.

During the signing ceremony, agreements covering land reclamation, coastal protection for Fonadhoo, and the development and operation of Kadhdhoo Airport were executed. Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer signed on behalf of the government, alongside MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef.

Fonadhoo development projects extend from housing to education and sports facilities

Alongside the airport, several major projects for Fonadhoo were commissioned. These include the development of an office complex, harbour expansion, and the third phase of road construction. The agreements were signed by Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib and Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) Managing Director Ahmed Saudee.

The president also announced a housing initiative, with construction of 100 flats scheduled to begin next year. In education, agreements were signed for a Maldives National University (MNU) campus and a dedicated language school in Fonadhoo. These were formalised by MNU Vice Chancellor Dr Raheema Abdul Raheem and MTCC Chief Ahmed Saudee.

President Muizzu stressed that expanding educational opportunities in the area is a high priority. An agreement was also signed to establish a sports complex in Fonadhoo, with Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu formalising the project, which has been entrusted to MACL.

Fiscal discipline is framed as essential to fulfilling pledges without debt monetisation

Turning to economic policy, President Muizzu reiterated his commitment to fulfilling all pledges while maintaining financial prudence, explicitly ruling out debt monetisation. He said his promises were made with certainty of fulfilment, and that the government, affiliated institutions, and parliament were working with determination to deliver services to the people.

The president acknowledged that the economy was fragile when he assumed office, citing unpaid bills amounting to thousands of millions of Rufiyaa. Currently, outstanding bills total USD 129.74 million.

He noted that many obligations had already been settled and assured the public that the remainder would be cleared imminently. “I will not leave any pledge unfulfilled or neglected. We are currently fulfilling our pledges while operating strictly within the confines of laws and regulations, thereby alleviating all existing difficulties for the public. Consequently, we will settle these funds within the next one to two weeks,” he said.

The administration’s economic strategy prioritises key sectors, including tourism, fisheries, and construction, as engines of growth.

Governance pledges include judicial independence and restraint toward political opposition

On governance, President Muizzu pledged that his administration would not arrest dissenting or opposition figures, pursue a spirit of revenge, or exert influence over the judiciary. He stressed that the judiciary must act justly and assured that the government would cooperate fully with institutions responsible for maintaining national peace.

Kadhdhoo Airport expansion and Fonadhoo land reclamation underway

The government has begun practical work on a series of development projects in Fonadhoo during President Muizzu’s visit, including land reclamation, coastal protection, and the further expansion of Kadhdhoo Airport.

Emergency operations centre project begins with focus on regional preparedness

Construction has started on a regional emergency operations centre in Fonadhoo. The project was formally launched by Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer and has been entrusted to MTCC. The facility will consist of a two‑storey building covering 2,368 square feet, designed to serve as a critical hub for emergency preparedness and response in the region.

Islamic University campus construction aims to expand higher education in the atoll

Separately, work has officially begun on a new campus of the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) in Fonadhoo. The project was launched by IUM Vice Chancellor Dr Ali Zahir and has also been contracted to MTCC. The campus is expected to broaden higher education opportunities in the atoll, reinforcing the government’s wider agenda to strengthen academic institutions.

Banking services extended as Maldives Islamic Bank inaugurates ATM in Fonadhoo

During the president’s visit, the Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) inaugurated its ATM service in Fonadhoo. President Muizzu formally launched the service at a special ceremony and presented a commemorative bank card to the island council. The new service is intended to improve access to banking for residents, complementing the broader development initiatives underway in the atoll.