President Solih: Hanimaadhoo Airport project well-planned

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has described HDh. Hanimaadhoo Airport development project as a well-planned, studied and executed project.

He made the remark while speaking at the function held at Hanimaadhoo on Wednesday night to mark the inauguration of Hanimaadhoo Airport development project. The project was inaugurated by President Solih and India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

The historic project is the largest and most significant infrastructure project initiated outside the Malé region. Funded through an MVR2.1 billion loan from the Exim Bank of India, the project is contracted to India-based firm JMC Projects.

Scope of work under project includes the development of a new 2,460-meter runway and facilities to cater to large aircraft. The new terminal is designed to accommodate 1.3 million passengers annually.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Solih said the northern region would see economic progress upon the completion of the project as it would increase tourism facilities, including guesthouses and city hotels, drive job creation in the northern atolls, and transform the region into an economic hub.

He underscored that the airport project coupled with the redevelopment of the Kulhudhuffushi Regional Port and connectivity through the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry services would help the administration transform northern Maldives into the perfect model of a thriving economy.

President Solih also spoke about the revolutionary developmental progress spearheaded by the administration and the numerous development projects presently underway across the country, while noting many have already been completed.

Providing details on the airport development projects underway in particular – the President said that while Hoarafushi Airport and Faresmaathoda Airport projects have been completed, his administration has also mobilized resources for the Maafaru International Airport project. He also noted that the administration had secured funds for airport projects in Sh. Bilehfahi, B. Thulaadhoo and Th.Vilufushi.

Noting the numerous projects being carried out across the country with the assistance of the Indian government – President Solih described the neighbour as an important development partner for the Maldives.