Highlights From President’s Tour of Alif Alif Atolls

MV+ News Desk | December 10, 2024

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu conducted a tour of Alif Alif and Malé Atolls, meeting with local councils and Women’s Development Committees (WDC) to identify pressing challenges and discuss priority projects. During his visit, he addressed concerns ranging from housing shortages and school expansions to healthcare and tourism infrastructure.

At Thoddoo Island, he announced plans to improve healthcare, introduce A-level education, and expand the school and health centre. He highlighted the island’s strength in farming and tourism, pledging enhanced support and broadened opportunities for these sectors. Reflecting on the island’s issues, President Dr Muizzu assured us that the island’s road development project will commence next year. He noted that in the 2025 budget, priority will be given to water and sewerage projects and road development.

Similarly, in Rasdhoo, the President committed to building 50 new housing units, providing ice production facilities for fishermen, and developing the harbour while supporting sustainable tourism through erosion protection.

The North Ari Atoll Council members requested to establish Passport and National Identity Card services within the Atoll. They also proposed including lagoons under the Council’s jurisdiction to generate economic benefits and secure government support for economic activities. Additionally, the participants discussed strategies to strengthen the decentralised governance system. Addressing the meeting, President Dr Muizzu assured the Atoll that it would not be neglected and pledged to find solutions, noting that the airport project for Atoll was pivotal.

In Mathiveri, the Council members expressed their desire to build an airport on the island to boost tourism and the local economy. In response, the President announced plans for coastal protection and land reclamation work. He also confirmed that a new mosque and improvements to the Health Centre would commence the following year. Addressing the issue of a 40,000-square-foot plot of land that has remained unused for eight years, the President requested the Attorney General to explore legal solutions and promised to work towards transferring the land to island residents.

On Ukulhas, Himandhoo, and Bodufolhudhoo, he addressed concerns such as school capacity, coastal erosion, harbour upgrades, and housing shortages. The President pledged development projects ranging from road construction and sports facilities to resolving tourism challenges and enhancing police presence. Reflecting on his administration’s broader goals, he reiterated a commitment to empowering communities, fostering sustainable economic growth, and delivering tangible progress across all islands by aligning with national priorities and local aspirations.

Key-Takeaways:

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu reassured the public of his commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises during the 2025 and 2026 period. He stated that limited progress in 2024 was due to constraints imposed by the budget set by the previous administration, which sought to undermine the current government. However, with the new budget approved by the current parliament, the President promised a more coordinated approach to implement key projects, ensuring the execution of all presidential commitments. He emphasised that true progress for the Maldives would come from a holistic approach addressing societal challenges, fostering intellectual growth, and promoting unity without political divisions.

The President added that the next phase of implementation would commence with the budget approved by the current government’s parliamentary majority, which is intended to fulfil the promises made to the public. He assured that over the next two years, all presidential commitments would be executed in a coordinated and systematic manner across the country, with numerous projects also nearing completion.

The President also outlined his administration’s development priorities, starting with housing and homeownership, followed by improvements in education, healthcare, water and sewerage systems, and road infrastructure. He pledged to continue rebuilding the economy, focusing on cost-cutting measures rather than slashing subsidies or public payments. Addressing other critical issues like vaping and undocumented immigration, he highlighted the success of Maldives Immigration’s Operation Kurangi. In addition, the President reflected on the constitutional amendments, which empower citizens by requiring greater public and parliamentary involvement in decisions related to special economic zones and foreign military presence. He emphasised that these changes strengthen the nation’s sovereignty and protect citizens’ rights.

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