President promises to start Guraidhoo airport project this year, though not budgeted

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu vowed on Tuesday to launch the construction of an airport in Th. Guraidhoo this year, despite the fact that the project – one of his electoral pledges – was not included in the 2024 state budget.

Guraidhoo was the first stop in the president’s three-day tour of Th. Atoll.

Addressing a gathering in the island on Tuesday morning, President Muizzu said that the former administration gave a short period of time during the transition period to provide his input on the 2024 state budget. He said that it diminished the chance include the projects his administration wants in the budget.

He noted that though the reclamation of the Fushi Dhiggaru Falhu was included in the proposed budget, it was axed by the Parliament.

He accused the MDP – which holds a majority in the Parliament – of hindering multiple such initiatives proposed for the betterment of the people.

President Muizzu also noted that the Guraidhoo airport project – which was one of his electoral pledges – was also excluded from the budget.

He said that his administration will launch the project this year, regardless.

“I want to say that even if they did not allocate funds in the budget for an airport in this island as I pledged during my campaign, In Sha Allah, we will start work on this project this year,” he said.

President Muizzu said he will find a way to run the project within the bounds of the law.

Hard two months ahead

Speaking further, President Muizzu said the Maldives faces a hard two months ahead, because of the dire economic situation his administration inherited from its predecessor.

He asked islands to prioritize the development projects they wish to have run.

“I want to bring development in its truest sense. Therefore, if we proceed as I just said, the path ahead for the residents of islands will be bright, In Sha Allah,” he said.

He reiterated his commitment to delivering all his pledges.

Defense Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon and Special Advisor to the President, Abdul Raheem Abdulla also addressed the gathering. Both said that national interest would precede that of the interests of any one individual.

“This administration was elected by the Maldivian people. This is the administration of the Maldivian people,” said Abdul Raheem.

President Muizzu, accompanied by a delegation of high-level government officials, is set to visit nine islands over the course of the next three days.

As promised during his 2023 presidential campaign, the first stop in his tour was Guraidhoo – the island from which he secured the highest percentage votes.