President Dr Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Maafaru on Monday, beginning a multi-island tour of Noonu Atoll. The itinerary includes visits to 13 inhabited islands, with Maafaru serving as the initial point of engagement.
During his stop in Maafaru, the president met with local leaders and inaugurated a series of development projects aimed at advancing healthcare, education, housing, transport, and essential utilities.
Addressing residents, President Muizzu announced that road construction initiatives across several islands, including Maafaru, are scheduled to commence later this year. He identified healthcare as a chief concern, pledging the establishment of a modern health centre tailored to local needs.
Responding to requests from the council and school administration, he confirmed plans to construct four new classrooms. He also referenced delays in the futsal field project and reaffirmed the administration's efforts to expand sports infrastructure across the island.
The president reported that components of the Maafaru International Airport development have been completed, with preparations now underway to expand the terminal. "Considering the comprehensive needs for the airport, including the terminal, we are proceeding with the vision of expanding it," he said. "I wish to convey that the essential work, encompassing the terminal, will be carried out at the airport without undue delay."
He noted that Noonu Atoll’s increasing role in national tourism underscores the need for a city hotel, which has been included in the government's strategic development plans.
Maafaru has been designated for a new housing initiative, to be financed under next year's national budget. President Muizzu assured residents that numerous community-requested projects have been formally approved and will proceed as planned.
During the visit, President Muizzu held consultations with members of the Maafaru Island Council, the Women's Development Committee (WDC), and leaders of key institutions at the Fenaka Corporation branch. The meeting provided a forum for local stakeholders to present development concerns and institutional challenges.
Among the issues raised were electricity supply disruptions and calls for improved health and education services. Additional discussion centred on infrastructure improvements to the airport terminal and harbour. Cabinet ministers and senior officials joined the president in outlining progress on active projects and reaffirming the administration's engagement with local priorities.
A highlight of the visit was the formal commissioning of Maafaru's water and sewerage network, established by the Malé Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC). The initiative places Maafaru among 20 islands where critical utility infrastructure was completed in December of the previous year.
The project encompassed the installation of a water plant, facility buildings, storage tanks, and primary pipelines for water and sewerage services. Individual household connections, pumping stations, sea outfalls, reject lines, and water testing equipment were also completed.
A total of USD 86.9 million was invested in these developments across the 20 islands. With Maafaru's system now operational, residents have secured access to clean drinking water and a reliable sewerage network. The government aims to extend similar services to all inhabited islands by the end of this year.
Earlier that morning, President Muizzu attended the foundation stone-laying ceremony for Maafaru's new police station. The event marked the official launch of construction activity. Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan laid the ceremonial foundation stone, alongside Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen. The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has been contracted to deliver the project.
The police station initiative forms part of the government's broader policy to establish law enforcement facilities across all inhabited islands. Work is already underway, with the goal of completing this expansion within two years and reinforcing public safety and policing services nationwide.
President Muizzu received a warm welcome upon arrival at Maafaru International Airport, the first stop on his official tour of Noonu Atoll. The five-day itinerary, spanning 21-24 July, includes visits to Hen'badhoo, Holhudhoo, Lhohi, Kudafari, Ken'dhikulhudhoo, Velidhoo, Manadhoo, Magoodhoo, Maalhendhoo, Miladhoo, Fodhdhoo, and Landhoo.