Govt to Transform Nilandhoo Into Urban Centre With Airport as Catalyst, President Muizzu Declares

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced an ambitious slate of development initiatives for Nilandhoo, Faafu Atoll, pledging to transform the island into a modern urban centre. The announcement, made during a multi-atoll tour, was accompanied by the signing of major infrastructure agreements, ceremonial groundbreakings, and consultations with local leadership. The president assured residents that the projects would be executed at an accelerated pace, ushering in a new era of progress.

Airport at the heart of urban ambitions

Addressing the community, President Muizzu reiterated his administration’s commitment to urban development, stating that Nilandhoo would soon reflect the “true colours of an urban centre”. At the heart of this transformation is the construction of a new airport, which he described as the most critical undertaking.

“We will complete the airport's development within a maximum of two and a half years,” he said. “This is a pivotal project for sustainable development. Indeed, the airport will be the most critical project in establishing an urban centre.”

Tackling infrastructure deficits with targeted solutions

The president also outlined plans to address longstanding infrastructure challenges. A gravity-based sewerage system project has commenced, with a permanent solution promised within two years. With 90 percent of the water supply network already in place, he projected full operational capacity before year-end. The absence of a safe water system, he noted, had delayed the introduction of essential health services such as dialysis.

To support the island’s fishing community, a fuel storage facility is slated for completion by March 2026, aimed at ensuring affordable fuel access. In response to housing shortages, preparations are underway for the construction of 200 housing units. Additional development priorities include a state-of-the-art Islamic centre and a high-quality sports complex.

Expanding healthcare capacity with international support

Healthcare infrastructure is also set to expand. A new 50-bed hospital, funded by the Saudi Fund, is in development. “This is being done with assistance from the Saudi Fund. The funding has been secured, and the necessary preparations to commence the practical work are underway,” the president stated. He concluded by reaffirming his vision that, upon completion of these projects, Nilandhoo would possess the resources necessary to become one of the nation’s most developed urban centres.

Council engagement highlights local priorities

During his visit, President Muizzu met with the Nilandhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions. Council members presented a list of development priorities, including the timely completion of the airport and a concurrent land reclamation initiative. Concerns were also raised regarding the island’s water supply, sewerage system, and electricity network, with calls for comprehensive utility upgrades. Additional requests included enhancements to healthcare services, the construction of 500 housing units, and the development of durable, high-quality roads.

Government formalises infrastructure commitments

A series of infrastructure agreements were signed during a public ceremony held in conjunction with the president’s visit. Passport issuance services were officially launched by the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan.

Among the signed agreements was a contract to establish a fuel shed, executed by Shimad Ibrahim, Managing Director of the State Trading Organisation (STO), and Manager Umm Kulsoom of Ishan Investment. For the Nilandhoo road construction project, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib, signed alongside Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) Managing Director Ahmed Saudee.

Land reclamation and harbour construction to support a new fish cannery were formalised through an agreement signed by Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, and MTCC’s Ahmed Saudee. Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) also entered into a service agreement with the Nilandhoo Council, represented by Mujuthaba Jaleel and Council President Ali Ahmed.

Airport development contract signed with MACL

The government has officially contracted Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) to develop the new airport in Nilandhoo. The agreement was signed by Minister of Finance and Planning, Moosa Zameer, and MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, in a ceremony attended by President Muizzu.

The president underscored the strategic importance of the airport, noting that Faafu Atoll remains one of the few atolls without such a facility. The Nilandhoo airport, featuring a 1,800-metre runway, is one of 12 new airports announced by the current administration. “Starting from today, the work on this airport will be completed and delivered to you within a maximum of 30 months,” the president assured residents. “I give you that assurance.”

New council office marks governance renewal

The foundation stone for a new council office building was laid during a ceremony attended by President Muizzu. The event was officiated by Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, joined by Member of Parliament Fathimath Sauda and Council President Ali Ahmed.

This initiative forms part of a broader national programme to replace ageing council offices across the country. Under a USD 40.94 million contractor finance model, Rasheed Carpentry and Construction Pvt. Ltd. (RCC) has been commissioned to build offices for 55 island councils. The Cities Ministry confirmed that the project includes perimeter wall construction and provision of essential office furnishings.

Police station construction begins on island

Construction of a new police station in Nilandhoo has officially commenced, with the foundation stone laid by Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan. The ceremony was attended by Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen, MTCC Managing Director Ahmed Saudee, the Nilandhoo Council President, and the island’s Member of Parliament.

This project is part of the government’s broader objective to establish police stations on all inhabited islands within two years, a move aimed at strengthening public safety and institutional presence nationwide.

Waste management centre inaugurated to serve Nilandhoo’s growing infrastructure needs

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday inaugurated a new waste management centre on Nilandhoo, addressing a long-standing request from the local community. The facility marks the beginning of formalised waste management services for the island’s population of more than 1,500.

The centre will be operated by the state-owned Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO), which formalised its role through a signed agreement with the Nilandhoo Island Council. The project responds to what officials described as a major public demand for a high-quality waste management system.

Construction of the facility began last year, with the contract awarded to Vehicon Builders Pvt Ltd in April 2023. The inauguration forms part of a broader series of development projects launched to coincide with the presidential visit.

Sports infrastructure to support community wellbeing

President Muizzu announced that a contract to build a handball court in Nilandhoo would be awarded imminently. He assured residents that all assigned companies would prioritise the timely execution of their respective projects.

The initiative aligns with the administration’s nationwide effort to decentralise sports infrastructure. Funds for handball courts will be included in the forthcoming budget, with the overarching goal of establishing fitness and recreation centres on every inhabited island within two years. The president underscored his commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and equitable access to sports facilities across the country.

Public reception underscores presidential momentum

Upon his arrival in Nilandhoo, President Muizzu was greeted by large crowds gathered at the harbour, reflecting strong local engagement with the administration’s development agenda. The island marked the eighth stop on the president’s current tour, which spans four atolls and includes a delegation of ministers and senior officials from key government institutions.