President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to develop the Atoll Fihaara area into a modern commercial front, with opportunities for investors to partner with the Government set to open by mid-year.
The President made these remarks on Thursday morning whilst delivering the Presidential Address at the first sitting of the first session of the 20th People's Majlis for the year.
He noted that the Atoll Fihaara area has formed an integral part of the Malé waterfront for generations, adding that priority will be given to preserving the area’s façades as development progresses.
Reaffirming the Administration’s commitment to decentralisation – particularly in delivering citizen-centric services – the President said that 27 uninhabited islands have been designated for commercial use to help councils strengthen their economic self-sufficiency. As part of this initiative, seven islands have been allocated to six councils.
The President further noted that access to financial services has improved nationwide through the introduction of Self-Service ATMs across all inhabited islands. He said US dollar ATMs have already been installed on seven islands, with work under way to install a further 70 machines, all of which are expected to be fully operational by the end of March.
He also stated that space will be identified this month for the Addu Hulhudhoo and Addu Meedhoo Council Secretariats, which were established following a public referendum. The President added that administrative and municipal staff will be recruited and trained for the new councils, alongside revisions to council employment frameworks.
In addition, the President said feasibility studies for 50 council secretariat buildings have been completed, and that the project – funded through a grant from the Chinese government – is currently at the location scoping and administrative preparation stage.