President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed that the 300 housing units planned for Villimale’ will be allocated exclusively to residents of the ward. Speaking to the community on Sunday night, the President underscored his commitment to delivering on key election pledges, particularly addressing housing shortages. He announced that construction of the three-bedroom apartments will begin this year, with full funding for the project already secured.
The President also revealed a series of major development initiatives for Villimale’. As part of these plans, the existing hospital will be demolished and replaced with a new 100-bed facility, to be fully funded and built with assistance from the Chinese government. During the transition period, services of the current hospital will be temporarily moved to the former Amaan Hiyaa children’s shelter building, the renovation of which was handed over to the Road Development Corporation (RDC) earlier on Sunday.
China’s support will additionally be utilised to modernise Villimale’s road network, alongside upgrades to the island’s water and sewerage systems, the President added.
Further enhancing community infrastructure, the President announced that construction of the Villimale’ Sports Complex will commence next year. The complex will include indoor courts and a 1,200-seat arena, while the ward’s football field will be redeveloped into a FIFA-grade stadium.
In addressing financial service accessibility, President Muizzu confirmed that a Bank of Maldives (BML) US Dollar ATM will be installed in Villimale’. This move aligns with the government’s plan to place US Dollar ATMs in every island with a population exceeding 2,000, with seventy expected to be established by next March. He noted that Rufiya ATMs are now available in all inhabited islands, and that priority for the new US Dollar ATMs is being given to tourism-driven islands.
Earlier on Sunday, the government also contracted the Fiya Foundation to develop a modern two-storey mosque in Villimale’. The new mosque—featuring a capacity of 850 worshippers, classrooms, and office space—will be constructed on the site of the existing Masjid As-Salam, financed by the foundation.
