President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced the expansion of Maafaru International Airport will begin this year. He made the remarks while addressing the people of Maafaru, as part of his official visit to some islands of Noonu Atoll.
Addressing the people of Maafaru, President Solih said the people of Maafaru and Noonu Atoll greatly benefit from Maafaru Airport. However, the president noted it is a priority of the administration to expand the airport, adding the project is delayed due to some issues in the bidding process. In this regard, the president said the airport expansion project will begin this year after the completion of the bidding process.
President Solih said the runway space and terminal will also be expanded as part of the Maafaru Airport expansion project. He said fuelling services will be established in the airport and Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) will develop a hotel at the airport. He also noted the project would create more job opportunities for the atoll.
During the meeting held to discuss the concerns and proposals submitted by the people of Maafaru, President Solih highlighted the importance of establishing a proper health care system in Maafaru as the island sees a lot of visitors. In this regard, the president stated efforts will be exerted this year to address the concerns of the people regarding Maafaru Health Centre. He noted that State Budget 2022 included extending the Maafaru Health Centre and upgrading it to a hospital. He also said that arrangements would be made to change the service hours of the health centre to 16 hours.
During the visit, President Solih also met with members of the Maafaru Island Council and the Women's Development Committee (WDC). At the meeting held at the Maafaru School, the councillors expressed their gratitude for the efforts of the administration in empowering local councils. The councillors and WDC shared the developmental needs of the island and the immediate concerns of the residential community.
Some of the topics discussed at the meeting include resolving housing needs, improving healthcare services, the need for a youth centre and issues related to the council’s jurisdiction. The councillors also requested the expeditious operationalisation of the ice plant on the island and discussed changes to the design of the harbour.
Speaking at the meeting, President Solih shared the latest updates on the developmental projects underway on the island. He shared details of the administration’s policy on decentralised development of the health sector. He also assured the members that the government would take steps to address their concerns.
The visit to Maafaru is the first stop on his two-day tour of the Noonu Atoll. He is accompanied on the visit by some members of his cabinet and senior government officials.