Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) signed an agreement on Sunday for the development of an airport in Fainu, Raa Atoll.
This agreement comes a month to the day, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on a visit to Fainu, promised to get the contract signed before the end of February.
As part of the agreement, MTCC will conduct feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments (EIA), and design work for the airport’s development. This project, in line with the government’s vision for national development, represents a substantial investment in the travel and tourism industry, fostering economic growth and enhancing regional connectivity.
During the ceremony, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, MACL’s CEO and Managing Director assured that MACL would collaborate closely with MTCC to ensure the project is completed on schedule. MTCC also reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the project on time.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ibrahim Falah, Leader of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) Parliamentary Group who represents Fainu in Parliament, emphasised the project's significance for tourism development in the atoll.
He stated that the project would benefit not only the people of Raa Atoll but also the entire nation.
President Dr Muizzu on his visit to Fainu on 23 January, said the hopes and aspirations of the people in the island were linked to their dreams of an airport.
The President said as pledged during his presidential campaign, the contract to develop the airport will be signed with MTCC this month which will be quickly followed by its mobilisation.
“Some changes had to be made as the area where the water and sewerage works have been done is encroaching the airport site. During the previous government, the water and sewerage systems were built to impede the airport project. However, I assure you that the water and sewerage works will be carried out smoothly without interruption to make the space required for the construction of the airport at the lowest cost as requested by the people,” President Muizzu had said.
The President said the Fainu airport project is linked to the hopes of its people will boost much needed economic activity in the region, with more job opportunities and attract more tourist resorts to the area.
According to President Muizzu, the Fainu airport project remains a sound investment as it will become the cornerstone of his pledge to attract more tourist resorts to Raa Atoll.