President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has completed his visits to eight islands in Meemu Atoll as part of his ongoing tour of four southern atolls. The President visited Veyvah, Mulah, Dhiggaru, Maduvvari, Raiymandhoo, Naalaafushi, Muli, and Kolhufushi. He has now begun visiting the islands of Thaa Atoll.
Kolhufushi
Major Announcements
- Completion of services to make existing housing units operational within this year.
- New 100-housing unit project to begin under 2026 budget, including options for self-built houses.
- Housing units to be leased at lower rates.
- Solution to resolve electricity issues.
- New school building (with library, health room, and facilities) to be included in next year’s budget.
- Football stadium and handball court in 2026 budget.
- Introduction of Raajje Transport Link (RTL) services to the Atoll next year.
- Expediting stalled resort projects and health sector upgrades.
Key Speech Points
- President assured Kolhufushi’s development is a priority.
- Promised timely completion of long-delayed projects.
- Reiterated commitment to addressing education, healthcare, and youth development challenges.
Muli
Major Announcements
- US dollar ATMs to be installed on 40 islands (including Muli), with completion by Q1 next year.
- Debit card POS limit abroad raised to USD 1,000 from November 11;
- Airline and hotel payments up to USD 3,000.
- Bank assistance for overseas medical payments.
- Bank of Maldives to offer UnionPay debit and credit cards from January 1.
- Construction of 300 housing units starting next year (150 in February, 150 in September).
- Preparations to allow night flights at Muli Airport starting October.
- New generator to resolve electricity shortages by year-end.
- Completion of Muli–Naalaafushi causeway after design issues resolved.
- Agreements signed:
- WAMCO to take over waste management.
- Coastal protection project launched.
Key Speech Points
- President linked new financial reforms to easing USD shortages and strengthening the economy.
- Emphasised housing as a central priority, with loan schemes to follow.
- Promised swift solutions for education and healthcare gaps.
Naalaafushi
Major Announcements
- 15 hectares of land reclamation (larger than current island size).
- Integrated project: reclamation, harbour expansion, and causeway construction — starting December.
- New school to be completed by next academic year.
- Health centre services expansion and futsal court construction later this year.
- New projects inaugurated: Fitness & Recreation Centre, Police Post, and Council Secretariat.
- MTCC agreement signed for reclamation and harbour works.
Key Speech Points
- Assured high standards for all projects.
- Highlighted land reclamation as the start of transforming Naalaafushi’s future.
- Promised accelerated service delivery in health, education, and sports.
Raiymandhoo
Major Announcements
- Population consolidation policy will only proceed with residents’ consultation.
Key Speech Points
- President explained policy: relocation considered only if 80% of residents agree.
- Emphasised benefits of cost-effective development and stronger communities.
- Promised housing support for relocation if chosen.
- Acknowledged differing community views and committed to transparent decision-making.
Maduvvari
Major Announcements
- Construction of a new leeward harbour to begin early next year.
- New sports infrastructure projects planned.
Key Speech Points
- President reassured harbour project will be prioritised.
- Promised youth-focused recreational and sporting facilities.
- Emphasised inclusive consultation with community and councils.
Dhiggaru
Major Announcements
- 75 housing units to be built this year; another 75-unit project to start before completion of the first.
- Harbour upgrade prioritised for early next year.
- New 9-classroom school building and multipurpose hall in 2026 budget.
- Support for fisheries development reforms.
Key Speech Points
- President called Dhiggaru’s coming days “crucial” for growth.
- Reiterated long-term commitment to fisheries sector reforms.
- Stressed housing, education, and infrastructure as cornerstones of Dhiggaru’s future.
Mulah
Major Announcements
- Major share of 2026 budget allocated to digitalisation, targeting full public service digitalisation by 2026.
- Drafting legislation for a 20-year national development master plan.
- Fisheries sector initiatives:
- 30-tonne ice plant.
- Cold storage facility under construction.
- Fuel skid project starting January.
- Infrastructure projects:
- 50 housing units this year.
- Harbour development expedited.
- Coastal erosion solutions.
- Health Centre upgraded to hospital (work starting immediately).
- Road development and Fitness Centre to finish in four months.
- Eastern jetty groundbreaking by March.
- School expansion ready for next academic year.
- Police vehicle issue resolved by October.
Key Speech Points
- President stressed digitalisation as a national transformation, ensuring continuity beyond politics.
- Reiterated focus on fisheries revival after years of decline.
- Promised Mulah comprehensive improvements across housing, health, education, and infrastructure.
Veyvah
Major Announcements
- Harbour development project to be included in 2026 budget.
- School expansion to resolve space constraints by 2026 academic year.
- Health Centre upgradation starting this year.
Key Speech Points
- Promised accelerated implementation of projects stalled in recent years.
- Reassured residents that housing, tourism, sports, and education priorities will be delivered.
- Confirmed focus on health and wellness as part of broader island development.
