President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has expressed his commitment to expedite the Velana International Airport (VIA) development project, aiming for completion by September of the coming year.
Speaking at a meeting with the Maldives National Association of Construction Industry (MACI) on Sunday, Dr.Muizzu said he had received information during the ongoing transition phase that the airport would not be completed on schedule. He noted that the project's delay, which is now likely to extend until July 2025, would have detrimental effects on the economy and was therefore unacceptable. Therefore, he hoped to expedite the project and complete it by September next year, he said.
“We are confident of achieving this vision, with the work done in collaboration with all stakeholders and with the welcome and support you [businessmen] extend,” Dr. Muizzu said.
Dr. Muizzu said efforts to expedite the airport project's pace were already underway and shared that a special committee would be formed for the airport project after he takes office on November 17.
"We will officially start the work on November 17. I intend to form a special committee directly under the President's Office comprising the heads of all relevant stakeholders to oversee this project, and I will chair the committee," Muizzu said.
