President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has expressed a clear vision for national development, emphasising that genuine progress can only be achieved by directly engaging with the people.
Addressing residents of Noomaraa, as part of his ongoing tour of inhabited islands of Shaviyani Atoll, President Dr Muizzu reaffirmed his commitment to this philosophy by promising to visit every inhabited island twice during his term in office, bringing government services and decision-makers directly to the local communities.
Underscoring a policy of equitable service delivery, the President assured that his administration would work tirelessly to address the concerns of all islands without discrimination.
"The development that the people want can only be brought about by going directly to the people and listening to their concerns first-hand,”he said explaining the benefits of this unprecedented approach.
He dismissed the conventional presidential practice of operating primarily from the capital, Malé, asserting that his method provides a superior understanding of citizens' needs and facilitates more effective problem-solving.
The President detailed his strategy for implementing “true decentralisation," which involves linking key government officials directly with local councils.
"Now we bring all the relevant ministers and MDs [Managing Directors] here to the same table and solve everything in one go, in one meeting," he explained.
"Whether it is a school, Fenaka Corporation, WDC [Women’s Development Committee], island council or any other institution, all meetings take place at one table. Isn't this true decentralisation? We are coming directly yo the people in person and shaping things the way the people want them."
He contrasted this with past practices where councils incurred significant time and expense traveling to Malé for ministerial consultations, highlighting how his new approach ensures swift and localised solutions in real time.
Fulfilling a core presidential pledge, President Dr Muizzu has already met with all island councils across the Maldives at least once since assuming office, with some councils having received a second visit.
This consistent engagement, accompanied by ministers and heads of state-owned companies, aims to directly translate local concerns into actionable government policy and provide immediate institutional responses.
President Dr Muizzu, during the visit reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Noomaraa, vowing to bring tangible progress to the island and fulfill promises made to its residents.
Emphasising the importance of existing infrastructure, the President confirmed that work on key projects, including the construction of a harbour with a dockyard and an area for beachgoers, will continue at a swift pace.
Additionally, the water and sewerage project in Noomaraa, now under the purview of the Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), are being prioritised, he added.
Beyond continuing current initiatives, the administration will also focus on new developments with President Dr Muizzu announcing that next year's budget will allocate significant funds towards sports and education. This includes plans for a new football stadium, a volleyball court, and a multipurpose hall for the local school, signaling a strong investment in recreational and educational facilities.
Road infrastructure is also on the agenda, with President Muizzu highlighting the development of main roads as a primary objective. In the vital health sector, the President noted the recruitment of additional personnel and plans to enhance laboratory services within the island to facilitate common diagnostic tests.
The President also said that the power plant in Noomaraa is slated for relocation to a new site before the end of Ramadan, addressing a long-standing concern for the community.
During the visit, the President witnessed the groundbreaking on a new mosque, police station and a fitness and recreation centre in Noomaraa before officially inaugurating the new island council secretariat building.
Despite the packed schedule, President Dr Muizzu took time to meet with members of the Noomaraa Island Council, the WDC, and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities.
During the meeting, council members highlighted the most pressing needs of the island’s residents. They requested a coastline protection project, the development of a beach area and a boat docking area, and upgrading the island’s main roads. The council also requested a change in the RTL travel route. Additionally, members emphasised the need for a library and a multipurpose hall for the school, as well as laboratory services at the island’s health centre.
President Dr Muizzu assured participants that the Government would give due consideration to their concerns.
The President’s itinerary of the ongoing four-day tour of Shaviyani Atoll includes visits to fourteen islands - Kan'ditheemu, Noomaraa, Goidhoo, Feevah, Bileiyfahi, Foakaidhoo, Milandhoo, Narudhoo, Maroshi, Lhaimagu, Funadhoo, Komandoo, and Maalhendhoo.
This visit is part of the President’s nationwide initiative to travel across all Maldivian atolls, engaging with atoll, island, and city councils directly.