Work underway on five airports across Maldives: Minister Dr. Mutthalib

The Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Dr. Abdulla Mutthalib, has stated that work on five airports across different regions of the Maldives is currently ongoing. The Minister made the remarks in a written response to a question submitted by Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for Hulhumalé South constituency. Dr. Mutthalib said that under the ministry's purview, contracts have been awarded for the development of five airports in different parts of the country, with the projects at various stages of progress. He noted that the allocated budgets for these projects are not expected to be exceeded. "Under this ministry, contracts have been awarded and five airport development projects are currently underway. These projects are at different stages. Furthermore, it is not expected that the budgets allotted for these projects will be exceeded. However, since the Isdhoo Kalaidhoo project has not yet been contracted, the MVR 600 million required for that project has now been included in the budget," the Minister said. The five airports currently under development are Gan Airport in Addu, Hanimaadhoo Airport in Haa Dhaalu atoll, Maavarulu (Magoodhoo) Airport in Faafu atoll, Alifushi Airport in Raa atoll, and Isdhoo Kalaidhoo Airport. MVR 540 million has been allocated in this year's state budget for airport development. The airport development projects in various regions are a high priority undertaking by the government.