President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has declared that the Government will accelerate the development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport to guarantee it is fully functional by November. He expressed his thoughts while conversing with residents of Hanimaadhoo during his current visit to the populated islands of South Thiladhunmathi Atoll.

The President recognized setbacks in the airport’s progress but guaranteed that the current efforts would prepare the facility for international travel. He additionally verified that a Bank of Maldives kiosk will be established at the airport to allow travelers to buy US dollars for their outbound journeys. Furthermore, a US dollar ATM will be set up outside the airport, in conjunction with rufiyaa ATMs from Bank of Maldives and Maldives Islamic Bank in Hanimaadhoo.

He also mentioned that the Hanimaadhoo Council will start providing passports and national identity cards on the island once the airport is inaugurated.

Regarding housing, President Dr. Muizzu declared that the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) will be engaged to build 500 housing units next month. The initiative will be executed by a mix of dense housing projects and residences constructed on separate parcels. He mentioned that although the housing project for residents relocating from Hirimaradhoo will proceed, the currently suspended housing project will restart once the required approvals are obtained.

The President disclosed intentions for a 17-kilometre road project in Hanimaadhoo, set to start in 2026 and finish in 2027, created with input from the community.

In the meeting, a consensus was reached to transfer the construction and infrastructure development of a new school facility in Hanimaadhoo. The facility will also house students moved from Hirimaradhoo

Additionally, the President declared that construction will officially begin tomorrow on a new police station, a fitness and recreation center, and the establishment of a 30-bed hospital. He mentioned that dialysis services would commence at the current health centre prior to the year’s end, and that both a gynaecologist and a paediatrician will be based on the island.

Emphasizing Hanimaadhoo’s significance, President Dr. Muizzu highlighted that the island is an essential part of national progress and is crucial to the Government’s Sustainable Development Policy