Magoodhoo's in-development airport vandalized

Magoodhoo Airport, which is currently under development, has been vandalized.

Magoodhoo Council Member Abdul Hameed Moosa said that the building set for use as the fire station in the airport was vandalized last night.

Glass panes in the building's windows were shattered, and the ceiling was damaged and set alight.

Hameed said that the matter has now been reported to Police.

"I cannot think of why anyone would do this. Nothing like this has happened on this island before," he said.

Hameed said that he does not have suspicions in relation to this issue against any particular persons.

He further said that that there are no security personnel at the airport site, with only two MTCC staff working on the airport's development staying on site.

The development of Magoodhoo Airport, which commenced during the previous administration led by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, has now been stalled for a long time.

Work at the site ceased in March last year, in the run up to the parliamentary elections. However, the government has not said why the project has been stalled. Delays in the project have previously led to demonstrations by Magoodhoo residents.

When the project was stalled, about 75 percent of the total project had already been completed. This includes most of the work on the runway, tower and fire station.

The government has also contracted MTCC to build an airport in the nearby island of F. Nilandhoo. While airports are planned for both Magoodhoo and Nilandhoo, travel between the islands by boat takes only about five minutes.

The airport being developed at Magoodhoo is amongst the largest domestic airports in the country. The project is estimated to cost MVR 252 million. Plans for the airport included a 1,800 meter runway, which will allow for the landing of private jets as well.

In May, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib stated that the previous administration's decision to develop an airport in Magoodhoo was wrong. He, however, stated that this government would complete the project.