International Airport Can be Sustainably Developed in Filladhoo, Says Muizzu
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Photo: President’s Office
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said yesterday that there is room to sustainably develop an international airport in Haa Atoll Filladhoo and diversify the region’s tourism sector.
Muizzu embarked on a three-day tour of Haa Alifu atoll yesterday. He visited Dhidhdhoo, Muraidhoo, Utheemu, and Filladhoo. During this tour, he is slated to visit six more islands.
Addressing the residents of Filladhoo at the island’s Fitness and Recreation Centre, he said that due to its size and ability to accommodate a large population, the island’s development potential was immense. He said that road construction on the island would be given priority, followed by the health, education, and fitness sectors.
Muizzu had met with the Island Council before his address to the residents and discussed the council’s main concerns about the island’s development.
Concerns Brought to Muizzu by Dhidhdhoo, Filladhoo, Muraidhoo, and Utheem Councils
As this tour is part of the President’s pledge to engage with local councils in the atolls, islands, and cities of the Maldives, he has been meeting with the local Island Councils, Women’s Development Committee (WDC) and institutional heads during these visits.
In these meetings, the island’s representatives bring forward their concerns and issues with developing and serving their people.
During the meeting with the Filladhoo Council, they emphasised the need for eight additional classrooms on the island and the issues with space limitations at the island’s health centre. According to the President’s Office, they also shared the ongoing challenges with laboratory reagent supplies. The Filladhoo Council also discussed the utility shortages in the newly populated areas and the necessity of constructing a waste management centre. The council also raised concerns about flooding and the poor condition of roads, stressing the need for modernisation.
In the meeting with Dhidhdhoo, they brought to the President’s attention the delay in completing the ice plant and the need to relocate the power plant from the residential area. They also discussed issues relating to the construction of the island harbour and the need for a new council building.
The Utheemu Council highlighted its concerns regarding coastal erosion and the challenges it faces in allocating land while maintaining its identity. It urged authorities to include a nearby island under its jurisdiction. The council also shared the need to improve Utheemu’s health services and establish waste management services on the island.
Muraidhoo Council also had similar concerns regarding coastal erosion and the need to develop the island’s school and health centre.
President Muizzu assured the councils that his administration would consider their concerns. The cabinet ministers accompanying him provided updates regarding ongoing projects to the island councils.