President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has hailed the new airport at M. Muli as a gateway to Mulaku atoll. He made the statement in his address at the opening ceremony of the airport, held Tuesday morning.
The Administration has pledged to ensure that every residential island is within 30 minutes of an island with an airport. This milestone has been achieved in Mulaku atoll, with the opening of the airport.
Speaking at the ceremony held Tuesday morning to open the airport, the President noted that this will usher in development to the island. Describing the airport as a developmental gateway, the President said this would be the start of much-needed economic development for the island.
Reflecting on the planned development projects for the island, the President gave assurance that the island’s road development project will commence in 2026. Additionally, he noted that the regional hospital development work was underway, with shore protection initiatives to begin next year, as well.
The President also focused on the issue of social housing, announcing a 300-housing unit project for the island. This, he said, would address much of the housing needs for the residents of the island and usher in migration to the island.
In his address, the President spoke on the necessity of population consolidation, citing it as a vital aspect for sustainable development. He appealed to citizens to unite in this endeavour.
Speaking in the ceremony, the President further reflected on the project to link the islands of Muli and Naalaafushi via a causeway. The project has been launched with this visit, with the President announcing Naalaafushi land reclamation and port development initiatives under next year’s budget. The ongoing two years, the President assured, would be dedicated to citizen-centric, result-driven development projects.
Stressing that he remained committed to serving the public, the President concluded his address by giving assurance that the airport would usher in development. He stressed that his vision for the nation was derived from the aspirations of the citizens.
The agreement for the airport development was signed in 2014, with President Dr Muizzu was serving as Minister of Housing. The agreement for the airport was renewed in 2024 in a bid to hasten operationalization.
This is a joint initiative of Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure and Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), funded by the national budget.