Magoodhoo Airport: Despite President's pledge to complete project within 12 months, construction remains unfinished

Former Member of Parliament for the Bilehdhoo constituency, Ahmed Haleem, has expressed concern over the failure to complete the F. Magoodhoo Airport project by the deadline previously pledged by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Vaudhunaama" program, Ahmed stated that the Magoodhoo Airport project was initiated by the previous MDP administration to ensure maximum benefit for the government. He further noted that the facility is being developed to a higher standard than the typical airports built across the Maldives.

Ahmed stated that the project was initially launched with the objective of completing an 1,800-meter runway. Furthermore, Ahmed noted that the airport project is being carried out with the assistance of foreign aid.

We have secured various investors for the Magoodhoo Airport project, and if I am not mistaken, approximately $20 million has already been invested. These funds were acquired through my personal efforts to attract foreign investment, which we then utilized to initiate the project after the government opened it up for funding.

Ahmed Haleem

Ahmed stated that approximately 70 percent of the Magoodhoo Airport project had been completed by the end of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration. Providing further details, Ahmed noted that 60 percent of the airport terminal was finished, and the runway had been prepared with the aggregate base course (ABC) layer, making it ready for asphalt paving. Ahmed also highlighted that the construction of the control tower had been completed.

Approximately two-thirds of the runway's stone-paving work has already been completed. I estimate that only about 25 percent remains for the entire project to be fully finished. This is the current status of the airport's development. In other words, if work continues for another six months, the project will be completed to a standard where aircraft can land smoothly.

Ahmed Haleem

However, noting that work on the Magoodhoo Airport has come to a standstill since the current administration took office, Ahmed highlighted that President Muizzu visited the island on September 21, 2023, and pledged to complete the project within 12 months. Ahmed further remarked that, to date, progress on the airport has moved at a snail's pace.

Ahmed stated that the Magoodhoo Airport site and the area surrounding the runway are currently overgrown with vegetation, and that MTCC is presently engaged in clearing these plants from the location.

Furthermore, Ahmed stated that with approximately 200 million Rufiyaa already invested in Magoodhoo Airport, a significant amount of state funds is currently being wasted.