Mathiveri Airport will Generate Benefits Across Tourism Industry, says President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said yesterday that the airport being developed in Mathiveri will generate significant benefits across the tourism industry. He made the remarks while addressing the community of Mathiveri, Alifu Alifu Atoll, during his ongoing tour of the inhabited islands of the atoll.

At a community meeting, the Government signed an agreement with Maldives Airports Development Company Limited (MACL) to reclaim land and develop and operate an airport in Mathiveri. In addition to the land designated for the airport, a further 26.5 hectares will be reclaimed for community use to support developmental and public initiatives such as housing.

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The President described the project as commercially viable and fully feasible, assuring that the airport, including land reclamation and full infrastructure development, would be completed and operational within two and a half years.

He will visit eight inhabited islands in the atoll on this tour. This is a part of his broader initiative to tour all Maldivian atolls during his tenure in office. Most recently, he visited 13 inhabited islands of the Baa Atoll.

Education, Health and Infrastructure in Mathiveri

The President confirmed that the school project on Mathiveri will be completed in time for the new academic year. He noted that while the Health Centre project had seen substantial progress, delays had emerged, and the work would be reassigned to another contractor to ensure timely completion. He pledged to expand the facility and upgrade its services.

He further announced that Mathiveri’s road development project will be included in next year’s budget, with construction to begin the same year. A handball court will also be developed this year. In addition, contested land in the Mathiveri Tourism Zone was officially handed over to the Island Council, and the President clarified that there are no restrictions on developing a city hotel on the sandbank designated as part of Mathiveri.

Governance and Decentralisation Reforms

Turning to governance matters, President Muizzu addressed recent amendments to the Decentralisation Act, stating that further reforms would include changes to the composition of Women’s Development Committees. He also announced plans to submit constitutional amendments, highlighting that in the upcoming local elections, voters will no longer cast ballots for atoll councils.

New Health Centre for Maalhos

During his visit to Maalhos, the President assured residents that construction of the new Health Centre premises would commence this year. He highlighted that the current health centre was housed in an old and deteriorating building and confirmed that the new facility would support fully functional laboratory services.

An agreement was signed to develop the island’s roads, a key infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening both local infrastructure and tourism. The President also pledged to establish dedicated beaches for residents and tourists and confirmed that a shore protection project would be funded in next year’s budget. Referring to the designation of Ranfaru Lagoon as part of the island’s jurisdiction, he said its economic opportunities were now open to the people of Maalhos.

At the ceremony, the President inaugurated the island’s new water and sewerage projects.

Maafaru Island to be Under Feridhoo Jurisdiction and Development Initiatives for the Island

During his visit to Feridhoo, President Muizzu announced that Maafaru lagoon would be brought under the island’s jurisdiction to create new economic opportunities, including a picnic island and a docking area. Agreements were signed to extend the Health Centre and complete infrastructure works at Alifu Alifu Atoll School, with the President pledging further improvements within three months.

President Dr @MMuizzu addresss the people of Feridhoo, highlighting planned initiatives and reiterating the Government’s commitment to achieving the island’s development goals. #RayyithunGaathah #AlifuAlifuVisit pic.twitter.com/YzqQu4dvyp— The President's Office (@presidencymv) August 19, 2025

He confirmed that road construction, harbour channel works, and sports facilities, including a football stadium and recreation centre, would be completed this year. The President also said the mosque project would proceed once land allocation issues are resolved, while the Quran Centre’s outreach facility nears completion.

To strengthen public services, he announced that three police officers will be stationed on the island while a new police station is built, and he inaugurated Feridhoo’s water and sewerage network.