Budget 2024: Committee adds MVR 16m for new airports
These projects were approved by a majority of the members present in the Budget Committee.
By
Aishath Fareeha Abdulla
A proposal has been made and approved by the parliamentary budget review committee to add MVR 16 million to the state budget for the next year for development of regional airports across the country.
The Budget Committee meeting held on Thursday evening to approve the budget for next year proposed to include money for the construction of six airports.
The projects proposed by Dhaandhoo MP Yaugoob Abdullah and supported by Maradhoo MP Ibrahim Shareef are:
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1-
MVR 1 million for the work of Sh. Komandoo Airport
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2-
MVR 1 million for construction of airport in R. Beriyanfaru
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3-
MVR 2.3 million for the development of the airport in B. Thulhaadhoo
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4-
MVR 7.4 million for the construction of airport in K. Kaashidhoo
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5-
MVR 2 million for the development of an airport and a special tourism area in G.A. Villingili
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6-
MVR 3 million for the construction of an airport in G.A. Dhaandhoo
These projects were approved by a majority of the members present in the Budget Committee on Thursday evening.
The initial budget included MVR 79.9 million for new projects to develop domestic airports in various parts of the country. The budget includes the development of new domestic airports in various islands.
Airport development work is already underway in various areas. MVR 8.3 million has been budgeted for the contracted airport projects.
The budget proposed for next year proposes an increase of MVR 248 million for PSIP projects. Although a small amount has been included in next year's budget for some projects, they will also be included in 2025 and 2026, MP Yaugoob said.
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The budget for next year is estimated at MVR 49.5 billion
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That number is now certain to climb
During the presidential election campaign, Dr Mohammed Muizzu had announced that the first airport in A.A. atoll will be built in Mathiveri. Muizzu also pledged to build an airport in G.Dh. Thinadhoo.
It is noteworthy that the policy of the former President Abdullah Yameen's government was to establish airports in areas within 30 minutes of a residential island. The outgoing government of President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih has maintained that policy.
Under the policy, airport construction is already underway in H.Dh. Makunudhoo, Sh. Bileiyfahi, B. Thulhaadhoo, F. Magoodhoo and M. Muli.
