The Addu City land reclamation project has been inaugurated.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih inaugurated the mega project to expand land in the southernmost city of Maldives, during a ceremony held as part of his ongoing three-day official visit to Addu.

The land reclamation project was inaugurated at the Hankede-Maradhoo intersection.

Taking the podium at the ceremony, President Solih highlighted that the Addu City land expansion project carries historical significance and plays a crucial role in the path towards the realization of a vibrant global city.

President Solih shed light on the long-standing aspiration to transform Addu City into a robust global hub and highlighted that the beginning of the land expansion project marks the beginning of this “transformative” journey.

The development of Addu has been pinned as a key priority by the Solih administration, with the government earmarking a massive investment of MVR 1.5 million for the reclamation project aimed at expanding the land area of Addu City by 190 hectares.

In addition to this, an additional investment of MVR 179 million has also been planned to add 42 hectares of land to Hulhumeedhoo Island.

Shedding light on his administration’s initiatives to enhance tourism in Addu, the president noted the corresponding progress of the land reclamation and road construction projects in conjunction with the integrated tourism project in Hankede.

The inclusive development plan for Hankede, spearheaded by the Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC), involves diverse tourism facilities providing for several markets and sectors, including a wide range of accommodation options such as integrated resorts, hotels, and guesthouses.

In his address, President Solih noted that the project is currently in its initial stages and is predicted to be completed over the course of two years.

After the Hankede project and other associated developments are complete, Addu will have the capacity to accommodate 7,000 tourist beds, which consecutively facilitates increased tourism opportunities in the region.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to carry out development projects in accordance with the people's wishes and requirements, the president shed light on the significance of the 67-kilometre road construction initiative in Addu. He went on to emphasize the decision to use asphalt instead of the previously intended concrete, aligning with the revised plan.

The incumbent administration is deeply committed to the comprehensive development of the southern city and to recognize its potential to become the region's primary economic hub.

The administration remains dedicated to build a lively and prosperous city that offers several socioeconomic opportunities for the community as well as fostering growth and driving sustainable development in the region, through an array of transformative projects.

A high-level delegation of government officials is accompanying the president during his visit.