Speaking in Hoadedhdhoo this afternoon, President Mohamed Nasheed has revealed that the government would commence building two more airstrips in Huvadhu Atoll this year.
One of the two airstrips would be built in Vilingili of North Huvadhu Atoll while the second airstrip would be built in Gadhdhoo of South Huvadhu Atoll, the President said.
He said enhancing the connectivity of Huvadhu Atoll with the rest of the country, especially with Addu, would foster tourism and increase commercial activities in the atoll.
The President also announced that specific programmes were included in this year’s budget to expand the island’s agriculture.
Programmes included in this year’s budget would increase access to easy financing and facilitate greater access to markets for Hoadedhdhoo farmers, he said.
Highlighting the benefits of the government’s social security programme, the President said 227 residents of the island were insured under the Madhana social health insurance programme, while 49 residents received Rf2000 old age pension.
