President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has affirmed that the development of Laamu Atoll's second airport will be meticulously executed to ensure widespread economic benefits across the entire Atoll.
Addressing residents of Hithadhoo during his visit as part of the ongoing tour of inhabited islands of Laamu Atoll, the President underscored the airport project's profound significance for the region and provided assurances on the progression of several other key development initiatives.
President Dr Muizzu acknowledged the Hithadhoo community's keen expectations for the airport project.
"I assure you that the project will happen in the Atoll. The government will carry out the project in way that would maximise the economic benefits for the entire regions. That's why it takes a little time,” he said.
Despite stopping short of formally announcing the project’s commencement, the President assured that the necessary preparatory work is actively underway, with the government committed to acting in the best interest of the people. The President also noted an important and actionable proposal submitted by Hithadhoo regarding the project.
Beyond the airport, President Dr Muizzu detailed progress on critical social infrastructure projects.
He highlighted improvements in Hithadhoo's health sector, announcing that ongoing efforts, including the establishment of a four-bed ward and additional services, are laying the groundwork for its future conversion into a hospital. To bolster healthcare capacity, he confirmed plans for additional staff recruitment in Hithadhoo, to be included in next year's budget, as part of a broader initiative to expand health services nationwide.
In the education sector, President Dr Muizzu assured residents that the Hithadhoo school project would be handed over within a week, with construction slated to begin before the end of the year. Additionally, he pledged expedited progress on the establishment of a Bank of Maldives (BML) branch and the construction of the vital causeway linking Hithadhoo to neighbouring Kunahandhoo, reaffirming his commitment to fulfilling all promised projects commenced during his visit.
The President during the visit officially inaugurated BML’s new ATM on the island before witnessing the groundbreaking on a new police station, fitness and recreation centre, volleyball court, Hithadhoo-Kunahandhoo causeway project and the health centre extension building project.
He also took time out of the packed schedule to meet Hithadhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of several local institutions to discuss key issues affecting the community.
The meeting, held at the Secretariat of the Hithadhoo Island Council, provided an opportunity for council members to outline the island’s most pressing development priorities. Among the concerns raised were the challenges faced due to the lack of a multi-purpose hall at the local school. They also drew attention to the condition of the island’s Health Centre and the difficulties in maintaining a stable electricity supply in the absence of a dedicated powerhouse.
In response, President Dr Muizzu assured the council that the Government would address the concerns raised.
The President is into the first day of a three-day visit to the inhabited islands of Laamu Atoll.
In addition to Hithadhoo, the President’s itinerary includes visits to Isdhoo, Kalaidhoo, Dhanbidhoo, Maabaidhoo, Mundoo, Gan, Maavah, Fonadhoo, Maamendhoo and Kunahandhoo.
This visit is part of the President’s nationwide initiative to visit all Maldivian atolls, strengthening direct engagement with atoll, island, and city councils to drive development across the country.