Reclamation work has begun for the development of the GDh. Faresmaathodaa airport.

Speaking to RaajjeTV, island council president Nasrulla Mohamed said reclamation work began on Friday and expressed his hope that the project will be completed at a fast pace.

He said that 13.6 hectares of land is to be reclaimed and that the work includes reclaiming the lagoon in a nearby uninhabited island and connecting the island with Faresmaathodaa.

Noting that Gaafu Dhaalu atoll is a difficult place to travel to, Narulla said that they are pleased that President Abdulla Yameen’s government has decided to establish an airport in Faresmaathodaa as the residents of the island, numbering more than 2,000, has always wanted an one.

He added that this decision will result in the island’s majority voting for him.

Gulf Cobla company has been tasked with reclaiming land and developing the coast within a three-month period. The project will cost USD 2.5 million and the tourism ministry has stated that a company will be contracted to develop the runway after reclamation.