MTCC refutes Magoodhoo airport project halt

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) CEO Abdullah Ziyadh has said that no government official has issued instructions to stop the airport project being developed by the company at F.Magoodhoo.

The government decided to build an airport in Nilandhoo while the airport project in nearby Magoodhoo is nearing completion. The people of Magoodhoo have expressed concern over the halting of the work in their island while the construction of an airport in Nilandhoo had been initiated. They also allege that an airport is being built adjacent to Magoodhoo because President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's kin is running for the constituency.

The islanders of Magoodhoo have staged a peaceful protest on Friday evening against the halt of their airport project.

The islanders had also built a gate using pipes in the area where the airport work was ongoing. Magoodhoo Council President Abdullah Waheed told Atoll Times on Saturday that the protesters had done this to prevent any of the construction vehicles at the airport work site from being taken away without the permission of the people.

When asked whether the Magoodhoo airport would be stopped or whether such a notice had been issued by the relevant ministry, MTCC CEO Ziyadh said he was surprised to hear people questioning it.

"The work is still on our project list. No official has notified us to stop the work," he said.

As the contractor, Ziyadh declined to comment further. He also declined to share any updates on the airport work as there was so much speculation on the project.

He said the best information would be given by the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure.

Minister Muthalib could not be reached for comment as he did not respond to queries regarding the Magoodhoo airport project.

Magoodhoo Council President, Waheed on Saturday said that the works of the airport have been suspended for several days.