President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the Maldives’ housing crisis, announcing that priority will be given to constructing homes on private lands for those who wish to build, with 200 housing units planned for Meedhoo as part of a nationwide initiative. He made the announcement during his visit to Meedhoo, Dhaalu Atoll, as part of a three-day tour of the Atoll.
As part of his visit to the island, the President engaged with the island’s council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC), inaugurated key infrastructure projects, as well as emphasised his government’s dedication to addressing the island’s most pressing needs.
A key highlight of the visit was the opening of the new extension wing of the Meedhoo Health Centre by President Muizzu. Following the new building’s opening, President Muizzu toured the new wing.
The services provided at the building include public health services, smoking cessation services, a dedicated clinics for treating non-communicable diseases, pregnant women, and pediatric illnesses.
Meedhoo Health Centre already provides services around the clock. Currently, two doctors work at the Health Centre. The Health Centre said the new building will solve existing space constraints.
As part of his visit, President Muizzu inaugurated Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services in Meedhoo. To launch the service, the President withdrew cash from the ATM and handed over the card used to make the withdrawal to the Meedhoo Council. The card was received by the President of Meedhoo Council, Ibrahim Naseem.
Speaking at the ceremony held to inaugurate the ATM, Bank of Maldives (BML)’s Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Shareef said the launching of ATM services will provide several banking services to the people of Meedhoo, including cash deposits, withdrawals and loan repayment.
The government is working to install ATMs in all inhabited islands across the Maldives before the end of the year. Under this initiative, ATMs havew already been installed in some islands and agreements are being signed with local councils, BML, and Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) to establish ATMs. As part of his current tour to Dhaalu Atoll, the President launched ATM services in Maaenboodhoo and Bandidhoo. The President also annoucned the installation of a USD ATM in Kudahuvadhoo before the end of the year.
The development of Meedhoo roads to modern standards was also contracted to the Road Development Corporation (RDC) as part of the visit. The agreement was signed on behalf of the government by the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib, while RDC’s Managing Director Brigadier General Retired Ali Zuhair signed on behalf of the corporation.
The project includes the development of the main roads of Meedhoo where important infrastructure are located, including the island’s school, health centre and Council Secretariat. A total of 14 roads will be developed to modern standards. In additional, an irrigation system will be established between the island’s dredged area and the existing residential area.
The establishment of a Waste Management Centre and the sustainable waste management practices in Meedhoo were handed over to the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) as part of the visit. The relevant agreement was signed by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim and WAMCO’s Managing Director Mujuthaba Jaleel.
The government has pledged to find a sustainable and comprehensive solution to the waste management issues faced by Maldives islands. Under these efforts, WAMCO is being contracted the provision of waste management services across the Maldives. The corporation is already providing waste management services in Fonadhoo, Laamu Atoll, Maafushi and Himmafushi, Kaafu Atoll, and Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll.
A key highlight of the President’s visit to Meedhoo was the handover of the development of Meedhoo’s Harbour Upgrade Phase II to The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The agreement was signed by Construction Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib and MTCC’s Managing Director, Deputy Commissioner of Police Retired Ahmed Saudhy.
Speaking on the project, President Muizzu said the Meedhoo harbour works had already been contracted to a party when the new administration took Office. However, at the time, the harbour project was not in alignment with the peoples’ wishes, he noted. The project has been re-contracted such that it is now in alignment with the peoples’ vision, he stated.
Noting that Meedhoo is a fishing island that has a large number of fishing boats, the President said the harbour will be developed such that it can be used for years to come. Revealing that the project is fully funded by the national budget, the President said the project’s practical work would commence soon with an aim to complete the project a the earliest.
The President met the members of the Meedhoo Council, Women’s Development Committee and heads of institutions to address the island's important developmental needs.
During the meeting, shared with the President the aspirations of the citizens, discussed issues of housing, waste management, harbour congestion, and the lack of a beach area following land reclamation. Additionally, the Council appealed to upgrade the Health Centre to a level four centre. They also praised the Administration's approach to public health, commending them for banning vaping, and shared details of what was required for the youth of the island.
The WDC and Heads of Institutions also noted the Administration's developmental initiatives with appreciation.
The President provided an update on the recent work being carried out by the Government through the Cabinet Minister to the Council members, the WDC, and various institutions in their respective areas.
Addressing the residents of Meedhoo, the President announced that housing projects will be implemented across the country with priority given to construction of housing units on those who wish to build homes on private lands.
Reiterating that resolving housing issues is the main focus of the administration, the President said 200 housing units will be constructed in Meedhoo, including homes built on private lands. The project constructs a three-room apartment, and if the people wish, this can be converted into a three-room house on private lands. Of the 200 housing units, allocations will be first made to private land buildings, with the remainder then built on a dedicated area.
During the presidential campaign, President Muizzu had pledged to construct over 12,000 housing units across the Maldives. The government is seeking contractors to make the pledge a reality, with announcements made to find contractors to build housing units on 57 islands. The President requested those from among islands where housing projects have been announced, who wished to build housing units on private lands, to inform their need to the government before the end of Ramadan.
Acknowledging issues with obtaining medicines from pharmacies in recent weeks, the President announced that all medicines on the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) essential medicine list will be available at State Trading Organisation (STO) pharmacies from 15 March.
The President stated that the practice of pharmacies generating excessive profits from medicine sales had been brought to an end. He explained that the recent medicine shortage was a direct consequence of this issue. However, he emphasised that the Government would not allow any party to create hardships for citizens.
In his speech, the President also assured the people that those who were allocated land from the dredged area of Gulhifalhu would receive their land registries within the next two months, with the exception of those who received land from the area where the Thilamale’ Bridge works are ongoing.
Noting that there were thousand of citizens who received land from Gulhifalhu, the President noted that the previous government had allocated land from both the dredged and undredged areas. The current administration has now amended the island’s land use plans such that land allocations from in dredged areas are relocated to dredged areas. The President further detailed that the land use plan has been amended to include hospitals and other key infrastructure within neighborhoods.
The President also stated that the previous government had signed agreements that were detrimental to the government in the dredging of Giraavarufalhu. The relevant authorities will cancel the agreement, and the government will takeover the dredging of the area and handover land to land recipients, he stated.
Speaking on housing initiatives for Uthuru Thila Falhu, the President announced that the dredging of 150 hectares of land will commence this year, aiming to complete the work by next year. This is also an initiative to solve the land issue faced by the people of Male’, he stated.