Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal, on Friday, revealed the current administration’s development vision for Laamu Atoll; transforming Fonadhoo and Gan to a city and the establishment of well-rounded services across the atoll.

The Minister, who is a native of the atoll, attended the rally held Fonadhoo on Friday evening to commemorate the support received from Laamu Atoll in Sunday’s parliamentary election. Speaking at the rally, he cited Gan and Fonadhoo, that are linked by land, to be transformed into a city.

“I want to see Gan-Fonadhoo become a city. Hopefully, in the next local council election, it will be a mayoral election that is held here. After granting city status to here, we will be electing a Gan-Fonadhoo City mayor,” he said.

A rally held in L. Fonadhoo to mark PNC's success in parliamentary election on April 26, 2024. (Sun Photo/Hamza)

He further said resources that require to transform these two islands to cities will be established as well. In this regard, he underscored that well-rounded hospitals, housing and sports facilities for youths will be developed.

Speaking further, Faisal said that political influence in the Maldives is presently vested in Laamu Atoll; something which he attributed to the hard work undertaken by senior minister Abdul Raheem Abdulla.

He followed up the remark by thanking his father, Abdul Raheem.

Faisal also noted that the government will undertake efforts to develop tourism in Laamu Atoll in collaboration with PNC MP-elects.

On this note, he detailed that discussions are presently underway with foreign investors to develop tourism in Laamu Atoll. In this trajectory, he said four resorts will be developed under the one-island concept.

A rally held in L. Fonadhoo to mark PNC's success in parliamentary election on April 26, 2024. (Sun Photo/Hamza)

“We will especially make Baresdhoo project a success. At least four resorts will be developed in Laamu Atoll under the one-island concept during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration,” he added.

He detailed that discussions will be held with the company of an investor from Dubai in the coming week – following which an island from the atoll will be leased for tourism development. He expressed hope for the resort to be completed in the next two to three years. 

Faisal also expressed hope to transform Kadhdhoo Airport into an international airport.