President: Seaplane services to be launched in Velidhoo in January

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to establish a seaplane platform in N. Velidhoo and operationalize seaplane services at the island in January of next year.

The President made the announcement while speaking to Velidhoo residents as part of an ongoing tour of Noonu Atoll.

In this regard, the President said efforts are underway to launch seaplane services at Velidhoo despite plans to develop a domestic airport at Vihafaru lagoon, which is set to be completed within one and half or two years. He detailed that a seaplane platform in Velidhoo will be completed before the airport, with the target set to operationalize seaplane services at the island in January of next year.

“For use until the airport [at Vihafaru lagoon] is completed and for various purposes even afterwards, a seaplane platform will be established on this island [Velidhoo] and seaplane services will be operationalized in January,” he said.

President Muizzu also announced that sea ambulance services will commence on the island in January, with the vessels to be stationed on the island.

He highlighted a range of development projects initiated during his visit to Velidhoo, the most populous island in the atoll. Earlier in the day, construction officially began on several major projects, including a new hospital, a Community-Based Rehabilitation Centre, and a boatyard land reclamation effort. Additionally, a separate groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new police station.

During his visit, the President also addressed concerns raised in a petition signed by 600 residents regarding the island’s harbour. He assured the community that the issues would be reviewed with relevant technical experts to ensure the necessary improvements are made. If the budget does not allow for implementation this year, the project will be added to next year’s development plan.

Speaking further, President Muizzu revealed several new initiatives planned for the upcoming year, such as housing developments and the expansion of classrooms and facilities at the local school. He also mentioned that an agreement will be signed in September for the construction of a futsal stadium and a multi-sports complex.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a people-focused approach in all development efforts.

The President, as part of his ongoing tour of Noonu Atoll, will visit all 13 residential islands in the atoll.