President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has completed his pledge to visit every inhabited island in the Maldives — a historic milestone achieved in record time.
In the final leg of this nationwide initiative, the President visited four islands in Faadhippolhu Atoll — Naifaru, Hinnavaru, Kurendhoo, and Olhuvelifushi — accompanied by Cabinet Ministers and senior officials from State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).
The visits were aimed at assessing living standards, engaging with communities, and reaffirming the Administration’s commitment to equitable, island-focused development.
Naifaru
President Assures Complete Fulfilment of Development Pledges
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu assured residents of Naifaru that all development pledges made to the island will be fully realised, describing the island’s progress as both a duty and a personal joy.
During the visit, the President oversaw the signing of several development project agreements and the commencement of key initiatives.
Key Announcements:
- Completion of harbour upgrade — to make Naifaru home to one of the largest harbours in northern Maldives.
- Establishment of an Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) campus and hostel.
- Agreement signed to develop a Maldives National University (MNU) campus.
- Construction of an extension to the school building, including 10 new classrooms and science laboratories.
- Commencement of work this year on a new Islamic Centre.
- Expansion of Naifaru Hospital into a state-of-the-art 50-bed facility.
- Launch of an 800-unit housing project.
- 45 hectares of land reclamation to address land scarcity and support future urban development.
Health Sector to Receive Top Priority in 2026 Budget
President Muizzu announced that the health sector will receive the highest priority in the 2026 State Budget, followed by education. He reaffirmed his government’s dedication to preventive and curative healthcare and pledged new financial measures to ease the burden on citizens who must seek medical treatment abroad.
He also urged the public to adopt healthy lifestyles, highlighting the dangers of tobacco use and other preventable health risks.
Visit to Therapy Centre for Children with Special Needs
The President visited the Bliss Care Clinic in Naifaru — a therapy centre serving over 100 children with special needs — where he met with staff, parents, and children receiving services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioural therapy.
He expressed appreciation for the Foundation’s contributions and reaffirmed the government’s continued support for inclusive services.
Consultation with Naifaru Council, WDC, and Institutions
During discussions with the Naifaru Council, WDC, and local institutions, community leaders raised several proposals, including:
- Incorporating Madivaru into Naifaru’s administrative area and physically connecting the two islands.
- Addressing the shortage of specialist doctors at Lhaviyani Atoll Hospital.
- Developing a multi-purpose facility in place of the State House.
- Establishing an additional primary school to serve the island’s growing population.
The President assured that all requests would receive due consideration and provided updates on ongoing projects with accompanying ministers and SOE heads.
Hinnavaru
100 New Housing Units to Be Included in 2026 Budget
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that the 2026 State Budget will include funding for 100 housing units in Hinnavaru to address the island’s growing population and housing challenges.
Key Announcements:
- Utility systems for the reclaimed area to be completed rapidly.
- Termination of the stalled housing project’s contractor, with work to be reassigned.
- Bank of Maldives (BML) Branch to be completed and operational by March 2026.
- Work commenced on Hinnavaru Police Station, Council Secretariat, and Fitness & Recreation Centre.
- Fenaka Corporation Building inaugurated.
- Agreements signed to:
- Establish an MNU campus and accommodation,
- Develop water and sewerage systems in the reclaimed area, and
- Construct a new Lhaviyani Atoll Education Centre building.
The President also confirmed:
- New machinery for the Road Development Corporation (RDC) to arrive within two months, enabling multi-island operations.
- Harbour upgrades to allow vessels to moor alongside the seawall.
- WAMCO to take over waste management within three months.
- Plans for a swimming track and sports complex to be included in next year’s budget.
Consultation with Hinnavaru Council, WDC, and Institutions
Council members urged faster completion of the hospital, housing, and road development projects, and requested land allocation and utilities for residential and commercial expansion.
The WDC requested an extension to the local preschool. The President assured that all matters raised would be addressed.
Kurendhoo
Harmonised Pay Structure to Align Local Government Employees with Civil Service
Addressing residents of Kurendhoo, President Muizzu announced that, under the harmonised pay structure effective 1 November, local government employees will be elevated to Rank 1, aligning their ranks with those in the civil service — a major step toward fair recognition and equitable pay.
Key Announcements:
- Harbour development project to proceed with updated designs including a vessel ramp, quay wall, and channel markers.
- New Health Centre extension to include:
- Four-bed ward
- Nurses’ station
- X-ray room
- Consultation and private patient rooms
- Discussions underway to declare Lhossalafushi part of Kurendhoo for housing development.
- Agreements signed for Health Centre extension construction and road development works.
Consultation with Kurendhoo Council, WDC, and Institutions
The Island Council and WDC raised key concerns, including:
- Completion of the harbour project per community feedback.
- Staffing shortages at the Health Centre and need for physiotherapy services.
- Land reclamation and additional housing beyond the 50 units under construction.
- Electricity upgrades, including a new generator for the expanded area.
- Sports facilities improvements, including turf replacement and pitch repairs.
The President assured that all issues will be addressed, with updates provided by Cabinet Ministers and SOE heads.
Olhuvelifushi
2026 Budget to Focus on Equitable Social Protection and Community Empowerment
Addressing residents of Olhuvelifushi, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that the 2026 State Budget will be submitted to Parliament by the end of this week, with a strong focus on establishing a fairer, council-backed social protection system.
Key Announcements:
- Surplus funds from dissolved Atoll Councils to be redirected to Island Councils for direct social assistance.
- Priority focus on stabilising the island’s power grid, essential for implementing planned projects — to be resolved before next Ramadan.
- Harbour development identified as a top priority.
- 15 hectares of new land to be reclaimed to support future expansion.
- Major improvements planned for education and sports sectors.
Consultation with Olhuvelifushi Council, WDC, and Institutions
The Island Council outlined urgent needs, including:
- Activation of the completed sewerage system and related electrical upgrades.
- Improvements to electricity supply and connections for the new health centre.
- Completion of the new school building and addition of medical testing facilities.
- Provision of a sea ambulance and road construction.
- Sports infrastructure development, including futsal pitch repairs and lighting for the football field.
The President assured the community that these matters will receive prompt attention, with ministers and SOE leaders providing project updates.
