Makunudhoo Airport’s absence in presidential address anger residents

Residents of HDh. Makunudhoo protested in anger upon the arrival of Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muthalib on the island on Friday over the absence of the development of an airport at the island in the presidential address delivered by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Friday.

Videos circulating on social media show island residents holding up posters to express their sentiments. Some of them were calling for the resignation of President Muizzu.

Speaking regarding the matter with Sun, Mukundhoo Council President Auzam said residents of the island raised two main concerns. One of them was the absence of Makunudhoo on the list of islands stated in the presidential address where airport development projects will be carried out this year.

“Land reclamation and revetment works are currently ongoing. The land reclamation is complete. The construction of the revetment is ongoing. Despite this, Makunudhoo Airport project not being listed in 2025’s budget,” he said.

“The other concern is the lack of mention of Makunudhoo Airport as a project that will proceed this year when all airports were read out during the presidential address,” he added.

According to Auzam, Minister Muthalib met with the residents regarding their concerns and affirmed that the government was undertaking efforts to ensure Makunudhoo Airport project can be commenced this year.

The reclamation of land for the development of an airport in Makundhoo was contracted on June 22, 2023. The project also included the construction of 3,493 meters of revetment.