President: Govt envisions making HA. Atoll and HDh. Atoll ‘ripe’ for tourism

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said on Tuesday that making the islands of HA. Atoll and HDH. Atoll ripe for tourism is one of his administration’s biggest priorities under its economic development plan for the Maldives.

He made the remark during his visit to HA. Filladhoo as part of his current three-day tour of HA. Atoll.

Addressing a rally in Filladhoo, President Muizzu said that the upgrade of the Hanimadhoo International Airport is close to completion.

He said that the feasibility of the airport lies with the expansion of tourism in the region.

President Muizzu said that in his administration, under its economic development plan, plans to develop HA. Atoll and HDh. Atoll as a tourism hub.

He said that Filladhoo has a special role in this plan.

“If we are able to develop this island with a sustainable and long-term developmental vision, it will not only benefit the people of this island, but the people of this atoll and this region,” he said.

President Muizzu noted that Filladhoo has ample land, but also expressed concern over the poor state of the island’s roads. He said that the island needs proper roads in order to promote economic development, and said he would make it a top priority to run a road development project in the island.

He also pledged the government’s support to run tourism activities in the land being leased from Filladhoo by facilitating low interest loans.

“Discussions between the Finance Ministry and [Bank of Maldives] BML are close to completion. This will be a good opportunity for land leased through the council,” he said.

During his visit to Filladhoo, President Muizzu also oversaw the laying of the foundation for a new council secretariat building in the island.