Scorching heat and drenching rain: Why was practicality overlooked when investing millions?

Upon returning from the sacred pilgrimage of Umrah and exiting the arrival gate of Velana International Airport, the scene was far more chaotic than anticipated. Families gathered to welcome the pilgrims after their long journey were not filled with the expected joy, but rather visible distress and frustration.

Security personnel from MACL appeared overwhelmed, struggling to manage the congested environment. A taxi queue had been formed immediately outside the exit, forcing hundreds of people to wait under the open sky, completely exposed to the pouring rain. This is the current reality at the nation’s primary gateway.

The new terminal at Velana International Airport, built at the cost of hundreds of millions USD, is undeniably impressive from the outside. However, behind this aesthetic appeal lies a significant burden on the general public.

The most glaring oversight is the decision to leave the arrival gate area completely open to the elements. During sunny days, people must endure intense heat without even a basic fan for cooling. In heavy rain, the wind blows the water inside, rendering the seating unusable and forcing people to remain standing.

In this country, there is no shortage of leaders willing to take credit for the terminal's architectural beauty. Everyone wants to claim it as their success. Yet, no leader has stepped forward to take responsibility for the lack of basic amenities that causes daily hardship for thousands of people using the facility.

As a frequent traveler through Velana International Airport, I have personally experienced these difficulties on numerous occasions. I have previously highlighted such airport issues in writing, which led to some improvements, such as taxi arrangements for domestic travelers and better access from the parking zone to the new terminal. However, the current problem is deeply rooted in the overall design of the building, making it a much more serious concern.

"Who approves these elaborate designs?" This question, posed by a citizen on Facebook, is one that resonates in the heart of everyone today. Constructing a modern, multi-million dollar building without considering the Maldivian climate is akin to planting a garden without planning for irrigation.

Aviation expert and CEO of Inner Maldives, Mohamed Firaq, has also expressed his concerns. In a social media post, Firaq noted that the current weather serves as a stark reminder of the need to rethink how critical infrastructure is designed. He emphasized that passenger drop-off and arrival areas must be better prepared for seasonal changes and heavy rainfall.

"It is a major negligence that after spending millions on a project, the public is left without basic shelter. Watching people, including children, getting drenched is unacceptable," said a citizen who was at the airport to receive family members.

A rep working at Airport remarked that if this is the first impression visitors receive, there is little point in marketing the Maldives as a 'luxury' destination. Having tourists get soaked immediately upon leaving the airport affects the reputation of the entire nation.

Finding a swift solution is imperative. The sun does not shine every day. The "Sunny Side of Life" is seasonal. It is now evident that the design of this facility failed to account for both the scorching heat of the sunny season and the torrential rains of June and July.

If the goal is to provide passengers with a pleasant and seamless experience in the new terminal, the basic comfort of the users must take precedence over external aesthetics. Allowing the value of such a massive project to be diminished by these avoidable issues is a significant waste.

Ending the hardships faced by the public is the responsibility of MACL and the relevant ministries. The scenes witnessed today tell one story: while millions were spent, the consideration for the local climate and the welfare of the ordinary citizen was neglected for far too long.