President Ibrahim Mohamed has revealed Gan International Airport (GIA) will be developed to serve 1.5 million passengers per year. He made the announcement while delivering the Presidential Address at the Parliament of the Maldives.
In his address, President Solih said national development cannot progress without the development of Addu City. As such, the president said major development projects are ongoing in Addu City through the line of credit extended by the EXIM Bank of India.
He said the projects include road development with modern drainage systems and the development of exclusive tourist destinations and guesthouses. He also said the projects include reclamation of 237 hectares of land and that the total cost of the development projects in Addu has reached USD169 million.
Furthermore, Mayor of Addu City Ali Nizar has said the council is prepared for the land reclamation project and that the agreement will be signed within the month. He said the project is expected to prevent any housing issues to arise in Addu for the next 50 years.
The development of Addu is a pledge of President Solih, and his administration aims to make the city the country's southern commercial hub.