There is no reason why an airport cannot be developed in the area to be dredged in Haa Alif Dhidhdhoo, President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih has said.
President Solih visited Dhidhdhoo island on Tuesday for the main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s presidential primary campaign.
At a rally held in Dhidhdhoo, President Solih said the possibility of building an airport on the land being reclaimed in the biggest project being implemented on the island is a topic that can be explored. He said he would return to Dhidhdhoo after winning the MDP primary ahead of the 2023 presidential election and hold discussions with Dhidhdhoo residents.
"I will formulate a manifesto. I will consult and discuss with you. I don't see why the airport should not be included in it [the maniefesto]," he said.
The president said the development of a tertiary hospital would begin in Dhidhdhoo when the land reclamation is completed.
In addition, the work of the tertiary hospital promised to be built in the village will start once the land is dredged, he said. The president added that discussions are underway with a foreign company to dredge the land in Haa Alifu atoll islands and some other islands and assured that the work would be completed before the end of this term.
While the President has hinted that an airport could be built in Dhidhdhoo, there is currently an airport in Hoarafushi island of the same atoll. Opposition leader Abdulla Yameen has also said that he will build an airport in Dhidhdhoo if he comes to power.
The MDP presidential primary is scheduled to be held on January 28. President Solih will contest against Parliament Speaker and MDP leader Mohamed Nasheed.
