President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has pledged to develop airports in 6 islands in the next four years. The president made the remarks while delivering the presidential address at the Parliament of Maldives.
President Solih stated the administration attaches high priority to establishing a reliable sea and air transport network across the country. Speaking in this regard, the president noted the first phase of establishing the transportation link will commence this year.
Noting airports will be developed in 6 islands in the next 4 years, President Solih underscored the administration is currently working towards the completion of airport development projects launched in Hoarafushi in Haa Alifu Atoll, Muli in Meemu Atoll and Faresmaadhodaa in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
Moreover, stating smooth-functioning inter-island connectivity system is a necessary requisite for national development, the president expressed phase one of developing a maritime connectivity network will commence this year. In this regard, he said the administration is gearing to introduce new transport services between the islands in Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll and Shaviyani Atoll. He said the services will be launched this year with the utilisation of fast and environmentally friendly vessels.
The administration has planned to allocate at least USD 9.7 million from the state budget every year for the establishment of the transportation link in Maldives. The administration announced commute links, non-commute links and highway links will be developed under the project.
Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure has said faster transportation links will be developed in areas which are economically sturdier.