The Maldives Airports Company Limited has completed a 27-hectare land reclamation project on the island of Veymandoo in Thaa Atoll, finishing the primary sand-filling phase in 23 days to address a chronic housing shortage for the island's 1,300 residents. The initiative, which utilised an estimated 882,693 cubic metres of sand, was finalised on 4 April and now moves into a secondary stage of coastal protection involving the installation of boulder revetments.
The expansion fulfils a central infrastructure pledge made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during an official visit to the Thaa Atoll last September. Beyond residential relief, the newfound territory serves as the anchor for a broader regional modernisation strategy, including a planned causeway to link Veymandoo with the neighbouring island of Kin'bidhoo. This connection is designed to facilitate the development of the uninhabited island of Elaa into a tourism destination.
The island’s physical growth is being matched by a suite of municipal upgrades, including the completion of comprehensive road networks and a new mosque for 500 people. Social services will see a parallel expansion through the establishment of a modern 50-bed hospital and a state-of-the-art sports complex with a capacity of 1,200. These projects are intended to cement Veymandoo’s role as a primary administrative and social centre for the atoll, President Muizzu said during the visit.