Belgian firm to build Villingili airport
"This is the contractor who built the Burj Khalifa. The contractor is here to develop the airport and the tourism hub in Villingili”.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
The Government of Maldives has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BESIX, a Belgian company, to develop an international airport in G.A. Villingili and develop the zone in tourism.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu signed the MoU at a meeting held at the Gaafu Alifu Atoll Education Center during his visit to the island to fulfil his presidential campaign pledge to build an airport.
Construction and Infrastructure Minister Abdullah Muthalib signed the MoU on behalf of the government. A representative of BESIX signed on behalf of the company.
Speaking at the meeting, Presidential Advisor, businessman Mohammed Ali Janah said BESIX is capable of completing the project very soon.
"BESIX is the 44th largest construction company in the world. Its turnover last year was USD 3.6 billion [and] profit, USD 300 million. So, even with one year's profit, I believe they can build the airport here," said Janah, who has a stake in tourism development in the atoll.
"Moreover, they built the Burj Khalifa. This is the contractor who built the Burj Khalifa. The contractor is here to develop the airport and the tourism hub in Villingili”.
Noting that the project will transform the economy of Huvadhoo atoll, Janah said:
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The cost of the project is USD 700 million
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In the first phase, a 2,700m runway will be installed at the airport; when the project is completed, a 3,400m runway
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Eight resorts and 17 small islands will be developed for tourism
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A yacht marina will be developed
The government had signed an MoU two days ago for the construction of an international airport in G.Dh. Thinadhoo, atoll next door to Villingili in the Huvadhoo Atoll.
