The Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday to redevelop Kadhdhoo Airport as an international airport. The MoU was signed at a ceremony held at Fonadhoo in Laamu Atoll during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's visit to the island.
The ceremony saw the initiation of land reclamation and coastal protection efforts to support the development of the Kadhdhoo Airport. The ceremony also saw the contract awarding and inauguration of the Laamu Maritime Hub Development.
The MoU signed for the redevelopment of Kadhdhoo Airport as an international airport was between the Government of Maldives and China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd. Dr Abdulla Muththalib, the Minister for Construction and Infrastructure, signed on behalf of the Maldivian Government. Li Weiwei, the General Manager of China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd., signed on behalf of the China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd.
The redevelopment of Kadhdhoo domestic airport into an international airport entails a 2.45-kilometre runway with a terminal capable of handling 300 passengers during peak hours.
The reclamation and coastal protection works would entail the reclamation of 56.60 hectares of land and 4433 meters of revetment.
At the ceremony, the Laamu Integrated Maritime Hub was awarded and launched. The Laamu Integrated Maritime Hub was awarded to China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd. Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim, the Chief Executive Officer of Maldives Ports Limited, signed the MoU on behalf of the Maldives, and Li Weiwei, the General Manager of China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd., signed on behalf of China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd.
The Laamu Maritime Hub includes managing the Gaadhoo Conservation Project, establishing a cruise terminal and super yacht marina, providing off-shore bunkering services, and establishing an eco-resort.