President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to complete Magoodhoo’s long-delayed airport project within one year, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to advancing stalled infrastructure across the country. The announcement came during an official visit to the island, where the president met with residents and addressed concerns over the future of the development.
The airport, contracted to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) in October 2022, remains only 50 percent complete. Residents expressed apprehension that the project might be abandoned, citing its strategic importance to Magoodhoo’s economic and social development. In response, President Muizzu offered a firm assurance that construction would resume and proceed without further interruption.
“We will advance this project to the implementation phase and ensure its completion without any further interruption,” the president stated. “The government will investigate the challenges encountered and take all necessary actions to facilitate an expedited timeline. I reiterate my firm assurance that this project will be completed.”
The president confirmed that his administration would investigate the causes of delay, consult with the relevant ministry and contractor, and take necessary steps to expedite progress. He also inspected the airport site during his visit.
In addition to the airport, the president announced that development of the island’s health centre would begin this year, alongside measures to address space constraints at the local school. The Magoodhoo Island Council also requested government support for a proposed integrated tourism initiative in the island’s lagoon. Magoodhoo has a population of approximately 1,000.
The visit marked the ceremonial launch of construction for a new council office building. The ceremony was officiated by Adam Shareef Umar, Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, joined by the local Member of Parliament and the president of the Magoodhoo Council. President Muizzu was in attendance.
This initiative forms part of a nationwide programme to replace ageing council offices. Under a USD 40.94 million contractor finance model, Rasheed Carpentry and Construction Pvt Ltd (RCC) has been commissioned to build offices for 55 island councils.
Construction work commenced on a new police station in Magoodhoo, aimed at strengthening law enforcement and public safety. The project was jointly launched by Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen, and the Managing Director of Fenaka Corporation, which has been appointed as the contractor.
The police station forms part of the government’s strategic objective to establish law enforcement facilities on all inhabited islands within the next two years.
A separate ceremony marked the beginning of construction for a fitness and recreation centre, designed to promote health and well-being among residents. The project was formally launched by Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu, alongside MTCC Managing Director Ahmed Saudee. Members of the Magoodhoo Island Council and senior government officials were also present.
Valued at USD 346,532, the contract was awarded to MTCC with a completion timeline of 240 days. The scope of work includes excavation, masonry, concrete works, roofing, painting, and exterior design. Upon completion, the centre is expected to deliver significant social and health benefits to the community.
President Muizzu also inaugurated a new Bank of Maldives (BML) ATM service on Magoodhoo, enhancing access to financial services for residents. Following the launch, the president presented a commemorative bank card to the island council.
With this installation, BML has completed ATM coverage across all inhabited islands of Faafu Atoll, making it the 13th atoll in the Maldives to achieve full ATM service provision. The nationwide rollout, overseen by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, is expected to conclude by year-end. BML’s network currently comprises 42 branches, 163 self-service banking centres, and 222 ATMs across 20 atolls.
Upon arrival in Magoodhoo, President Muizzu was welcomed by a large number of residents gathered at the harbour. The island was the tenth stop on his ongoing tour of four atolls, and the second visited on Sunday. The president was accompanied by ministers and senior officials from various state institutions.