President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Monday evening pledged that the development of L. Kadhdhoo Airport would be completed within three years. He made the announcement during a meeting with residents of L. Fonadhoo, as part of his ongoing visit to the inhabited islands of the atoll.
The gathering also marked the formalisation of several key development agreements for Fonadhoo, including contracts for a land reclamation and coastal protection project, as well as the formal handover of Kadhdhoo Airport’s development and operations to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
Outlining the scope of the airport project, the President stated that it would involve the reclamation of 114 hectares of land to accommodate a 2,800-metre runway. An additional 30 hectares will be reclaimed to expand Fonadhoo Island, bringing the total reclaimed area to 144 hectares. He noted that land reclamation is expected to be completed within a year, with the full project, including airport development, scheduled for completion within 36 months.
The President also assured that the land reclamation for the airport would be undertaken without the need to relocate the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) facility currently based in the area.
He emphasised that the development of Kadhdhoo Airport represents a crucial step towards establishing Fonadhoo as a regional hub for tourism, education, and wider economic growth.
Further agreements formalised during the event included the development of a Maldives National University (MNU) campus, a dedicated MNU Language School, an office complex, a harbour development project, the third phase of road construction, and a new sports complex for Fonadhoo.
Highlighting the broader impact of these initiatives, the President noted that each project would contribute to the socio-economic advancement of the atoll and the surrounding region. He explained that the MNU Language School would offer a range of foreign language programmes aimed at better preparing locals for employment in the tourism sector.
The planned sports complex will feature seating for 1,200 spectators and facilities for multiple indoor sports, designed to meet the standards of the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE) in Malé. The President also reaffirmed that all roads on the island would be developed by the completion of the third phase of the road development project.
In relation to housing, the President announced that work is underway to contract the construction of the first 100 housing units, as part of his broader pledge to deliver 500 housing units for Fonadhoo. He also revealed plans to construct a 50-bed hospital on the island, funded by the Saudi Fund for Development.
Addressing the economic potential of the proposed transhipment harbour, the President stated that Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) is in the process of selecting a contractor to develop the facility which will provide bunkering services.
Concluding his remarks, President Dr Muizzu reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to economic recovery, assuring that outstanding Government payments would be settled without resorting to monetary expansion.
He further reiterated the Government’s dedication to advancing the tourism, fisheries, and construction sectors, noting that a steady stream of upcoming infrastructure projects would be awarded to private sector companies, creating employment opportunities and promoting economic prosperity across the nation.
