News Desk
MULI, Maldives — On a sunlit Tuesday morning, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stood before a crowd of local leaders and residents on Muli Island to inaugurate a long-awaited airport, a project he described as a “developmental gateway” for the Mulaku Atoll. The opening marks a pivotal moment for the remote region, promising enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and improved access to essential services in one of the Maldives’ most isolated areas.
The Muli Airport, a joint effort by the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure and the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), was funded through the national budget. Its roots trace back to a 2014 agreement signed when President Muizzu served as housing minister, with a renewed push in 2024 to expedite its completion. The facility ensures that every inhabited island in the Mulaku Atoll is now within 30 minutes of an airport, fulfilling a key pledge of the President Muizzu administration to bridge the geographical divides of the Maldives’ scattered atolls.
“This is more than an airport—it’s a lifeline,” President Muizzu declared at the ceremony, his voice carrying over the hum of anticipation. He outlined a vision for Muli as a hub of opportunity, emphasizing that the airport would catalyze economic development by connecting the island to markets, tourists, and vital services. The Muli Island Council echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the project’s completion after a three-decade wait, a milestone they described as the realization of a generational dream.
The airport’s opening was just one part of a broader development agenda unveiled during President Muizzu’s visit. The president also launched construction of a 565-meter causeway linking Muli to the nearby island of Naalaafushi, a project set to be completed within 600 days. The causeway, which includes road construction, street lighting, 112 meters of revetment, and a 15-meter groyne for coastal protection, aims to foster resource sharing and social cohesion between the two islands.
President Muizzu highlighted its potential to streamline service delivery and boost economic opportunities, calling it a cornerstone of his administration’s focus on integrated development.
Healthcare, too, took center stage. President Muizzu broke ground on a new four-story building for the Muli Regional Hospital, a modern facility designed to meet the atoll’s growing medical needs. Scheduled for completion by mid-2027, the hospital will feature advanced medical technology and expanded capacity, addressing long-standing gaps in healthcare access. The project, also contracted to MTCC, aligns with the government’s goal of modernizing infrastructure to improve quality of life across the Maldives.
Social housing emerged as another priority, with President Muizzu announcing a 300-unit housing project to address Muli’s housing shortage and encourage migration to the island. He framed this as part of a broader strategy of population consolidation, which he argued is essential for sustainable development. “We must unite as a nation to build a future that serves all our citizens,” he said, urging residents to support this vision.
At a meeting with the Muli Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee, and community leaders, residents voiced additional needs, including air-conditioned classrooms, local rehabilitation services, and training programs to build human capital. They also proposed creating a dedicated picnic island and expanding tourism, healthcare, and sports facilities. President Muizzu listened attentively, promising to address these concerns through ongoing and future projects. “Your aspirations are my priorities,” he assured the gathering, flanked by ministers and heads of state-owned enterprises who provided updates on Muli’s development pipeline.
The president also highlighted upcoming initiatives, including road development and shore protection projects slated for 2026, as well as land reclamation and port development in Naalaafushi under next year’s budget. “The next two years will be defined by citizen-centric, result-driven progress,” President Muizzu said, reinforcing his commitment to transformative governance.
For the people of Muli, the flurry of projects signals a turning point. The airport, causeway, and hospital upgrades are not just infrastructure—they represent hope for a more connected, prosperous future. As President Muizzu concluded his address, he reiterated that his vision for the Maldives is rooted in the dreams of its people, a message that resonated deeply in this small island community now poised for growth.
