President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the Government will expedite the construction of Hanimaadhoo International Airport to ensure it is fully operational by November. He made the remarks while meeting residents of Hanimaadhoo during his ongoing visit to the inhabited islands of South Thiladhunmathi Atoll.
The President acknowledged delays in the airport’s development but assured that the ongoing works would bring the facility to full readiness for international travel. He also confirmed that a Bank of Maldives counter will be opened at the airport to enable passengers to purchase US dollars for outbound travel. In addition, a US dollar ATM will be installed outside the airport, alongside Bank of Maldives and Maldives Islamic Bank rufiyaa ATMs in Hanimaadhoo.
He further noted that the Hanimaadhoo Council will begin issuing passports and national identity cards on the island by the time the airport is opened.
On housing, President Dr Muizzu announced that the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) will be contracted with constructing 500 housing units next month. The project will be implemented through a combination of concentrated housing developments and units built on individual plots. He added that while the housing project for residents migrating from Hirimaradhoo will continue, the currently court-sustpended housing project will resume once the necessary approvals are granted.
The President also revealed plans for a 17-kilometre road development in Hanimaadhoo, due to begin in 2026 and conclude in 2027, designed in consultation with community needs.
During the meeting, an agreement was signed to hand over the construction and infrastructure development of a new school building in Hanimaadhoo. The facility will also accommodate students relocated from Hirimaradhoo.
Furthermore, the President announced that work will officially commence tomorrow on a new police station, a fitness and recreation centre, and the development of a 30-bed hospital. He added that dialysis services would begin at the existing health centre before the end of this year, and that both a gynaecologist and a paediatrician will be stationed on the island.
Reiterating Hanimaadhoo’s importance, President Dr Muizzu stressed that the island remains a vital component of national development and plays a key role in the Government’s Sustainable Development Policy.