The government has announced a comprehensive development agenda for the island of Guraidhoo, Thaa Atoll, marking a significant investment in regional infrastructure and public services. The initiatives, unveiled during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s official tour of Thaa Atoll, include the construction of a new airport, the elevation of the local health centre to hospital status, and the establishment of a specialised decompression facility for divers.
President pledges airport as cornerstone of regional development
President Muizzu identified the airport as the most consequential urban development pledge made to Guraidhoo residents, highlighting its strategic importance to the island’s future. Construction is scheduled to begin immediately, with completion targeted within 22 months.
“We will inaugurate this airport on Independence Day, 26 July 2027,” the president assured. “This is a project of immense importance to the island that will usher in significant social and economic progress. It will serve as a vital gateway for the advancement of the entire region.”
To accommodate the airport’s footprint, the government will reclaim an additional seven hectares of land. Development of Guraidhoo’s harbour is also slated for inclusion in next year’s national budget, following consultations between the island council and relevant ministries.
Housing, education and recreation projects announced alongside airport
In tandem with the airport initiative, a portfolio of complementary projects has been announced to address broader community needs. These include the construction of 100 housing flats, with the local council authorised to determine the building model. Educational facilities will receive targeted upgrades to support long-term development.
Plans for recreational infrastructure have also been outlined. A new fitness and recreation centre will be established, the island’s football field will be modernised to support night-time play, and a children’s park will be developed to reflect local needs. Additionally, services for issuing identity cards and passports will be made available on the island beginning next month.
Government formalises airport contract with MACL
The airport development was formally handed over to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) during a ceremony held as part of President Muizzu’s engagement with island residents. The agreement was signed by Moosa Zameer, Minister of Finance and Planning, on behalf of the government, and Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, Managing Director of MACL, on behalf of the company.
Guraidhoo health centre to be upgraded into full hospital
A separate ceremony marked the commencement of construction to upgrade the Guraidhoo Health Centre into a full-fledged hospital. The event was officiated by Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim and Mujuthaba Jaleel, Managing Director of Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO), which has been contracted to execute the works. The government stated that the new hospital will provide improved access to healthcare services for residents of Guraidhoo and surrounding areas.
Hyperbaric chamber inaugurated as part of national rollout
President Muizzu also presided over the inauguration of Senehiya Hospital’s Hyperbaric Centre, making Guraidhoo the first island in the nation to host a government-established decompression chamber. The facility is equipped to treat divers suffering from decompression sickness after ascending from depths of up to 100 metres.
The installation forms part of a broader initiative to deploy decompression chambers across the country, addressing a longstanding concern for the country’s fishing and diving communities. President Muizzu reaffirmed his commitment to completing the nationwide rollout within six months, noting that acquisition and installation of the necessary machinery are already underway.
Presidential tour draws public welcome and community engagement
Upon arrival in Guraidhoo, President Muizzu was greeted by a large crowd comprising local institutional leaders and members of the public. The visit forms part of a wider presidential tour encompassing 31 inhabited islands across four atolls, aimed at engaging directly with local councils and communities to assess development priorities.