President says Laamu airport project will proceed in Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo
The President has stated that the decision to develop the new airport in Laamu Atoll on the islands of Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo was based on its superior economic viability and cost-effectiveness. However, this move has sparked significant public outcry among the residents of Maavah, who are currently preparing a petition to demand that the airport be constructed on their island instead.
President Muizzu meets with the press. | Presidents office
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the government’s decision to develop a new airport in Laamu Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo remains unchanged, confirming there are no plans to construct an airport in Maavah within the same atoll.
The President made these remarks during a press conference held at the President's Office on Monday, in response to a journalist's question regarding public dissatisfaction in Maavashu over the lack of airport development on the island.
Providing further details on the matter, the President stated that requests for airport development had been received from three different areas within Laamu Atoll. However, he noted that in reaching a decision, the government prioritized the most cost-effective approach and focused on ensuring the project's long-term economic sustainability.
The President stated that the decision to develop an airport in Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo was made following a comprehensive two-and-a-half-year study of all necessary factors. Consequently, the President provided assurances that the airport project will proceed in Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo as currently planned by the government.
The President stated that although the government does not currently intend to develop an airport in Maavah, this does not mean the administration will fail to deliver on its promises to the island's residents. He assured the people of Maavah that the government remains fully committed to undertaking all necessary initiatives to ensure the island's development.
The government's decision to construct the second airport in Laamu Atoll at Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo has sparked significant public outcry among the residents of Maavah, who have begun organizing a petition to the President. Following the announcement by the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure, general members of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) in Maavah, along with other residents, have expressed deep concern and dissatisfaction over the decision.
Residents of the island state that they prioritize the development of an airport over all other infrastructure projects. They believe it represents their greatest hope for ending the island's isolation.
The political climate of the island has intensified significantly following this issue. The petition highlights that Maavah delivered the second-highest percentage of votes nationwide for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in the recent presidential election. Residents maintain that their primary motivation for campaigning so vigorously for the government was the promise of the airport development project.
