President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the commencement of the land reclamation project marks the beginning of a transformative journey to develop Addu into a vibrant global city. He made the remark at a ceremony held to inaugurate the land reclamation project at the Hankede-Maradhoo intersection in Addu.
At the ceremony, President Solih highlighted the historical significance of the land reclamation project as a crucial step towards realizing a vibrant global city. The president highlighted the longstanding aspiration to transform Addu into a robust global hub. The administration has identified the development of Addu as a key priority and a substantial investment of USD97 million has been allocated for the reclamation project aimed at expanding the land area of Addu by 190 hectares. An additional investment of USD12 million is planned to add 42 hectares of land to Hulhumeedhoo.
Additionally, President Solih emphasised the administration’s initiative to develop tourism in Addu, highlighting the coordinated progress of the land reclamation and road development projects, which are being carried out in tandem with the integrated tourism project in Hankede. The comprehensive development plan for Hankede is spearheaded by the Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC) and encompasses diverse tourism facilities catering to various markets and sectors. Upon completing the Hankede project and other associated developments, Addu would have the capacity to accommodate 7,000 tourist beds, thereby facilitating increased tourism opportunities in the region.
Furthermore, President Solih said the administration is committed to the comprehensive development of Addu City, recognising its potential to become the region's primary economic hub. He added that the administration is dedicated to creating a vibrant and prosperous city that offers a multitude of socioeconomic opportunities for its residents through an array of transformative projects, fostering growth, and driving sustainable development in the region.