President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that a project to develop 100 housing units in Hinnavaru, Lhaviyani Atoll, will be included in next year's national budget. He made the announcement while addressing the residents of Hinnavaru during his ongoing visit to Lhaviyani Atoll.
Earlier in the day, the President met with members of the Hinnavaru Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to review the island’s key development priorities. During the meeting, Council members outlined the island’s main developmental concerns, including delays in several infrastructure projects. They urged the expedited completion of the hospital and housing projects, as well as the remaining works of the island’s road development initiative.
The Council also shared plans to allocate land plots for residential and commercial purposes, emphasising the need to provide essential utility services to the reclaimed area. Additionally, members advocated for the operationalisation of the island’s harbour, noting its potential to boost local economic activity. The WDC requested the construction of an extension building to accommodate the local preschool, while the council also proposed the development of a swimming track to improve recreational facilities on the island. President Dr Muizzu assured attendees that the concerns raised would be duly addressed.
When meeting with the island community, the President acknowledged that Hinnavaru has a large and dense population, and shared details of the government's plans to address the housing and shelter challenges faced by residents. He also gave his assurance that the work to establish the necessary utility systems to populate the reclaimed area in Hinnavaru will also be completed swiftly.
Furthermore, he announced the termination of the agreement for the island’s stalled housing project, citing a lack of progress from the contractor, and provided assurance that the work will be reassigned to a new party to ensure its recommencement.
As part of the President's visit, various stages of other important projects related to his pledges were initiated in Hinnavaru. These included the commencement of work on the Hinnavaru Police Station, contracted to the Road Development Corporation (RDC); the Council Secretariat, contracted to Rasheed Carpentry and Construction (RCC); and the Fitness and Recreation Centre. In addition, the new Fenaka Corporation building was inaugurated.
Agreements were also signed for the establishment of a Maldives National University (MNU) campus and student accommodation, a water and sewerage system for the reclaimed land, and construction of the new Lhaviyani Atoll Education Centre building.
Highlighting the ongoing projects on the island, the President noted the road development project and stated that additional equipment and machinery needed to increase the capability of the RDC will be brought to the Maldives within the next two months, facilitating simultaneous work on more than one island.
He added that the island's harbour development will proceed by raising the outer seawall and enabling vessels to moor alongside it. He added that within the next three months, the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) will take over the island's waste and resource management.
Speaking about the new Bank of Maldives (BML) Islamic Hinnavaru Branch, for which the foundation stone was laid the same day, President Muizzu stated that the construction would be completed and services launched by March next year. He added that in all islands where similar BML branches are being established, work will be completed, and services will commence within the next five months or so.
Speaking on the establishment of a police station on Hinnavaru, the President said the building would bring significant benefit to the people of Hinnavaru. He emphasised the importance of a strong police presence on an island such as Hinnavaru which has a significant population, and said it would contribute to establishing a peaceful environment and maintaining public order.
The police station will include facilities for investigation, intelligence and custodial cells, as well as vehicle towing and police vehicle repair facilities. The government has also decided to launch a special programme aimed at curbing crime and preventing people from becoming involved in criminal activity.
Commenting on the Fitness and Recreation Centre, the President assured that the project will be implemented at a rapid pace. Furthermore, he announced that a swimming track and a sports complex would be developed on the island, both to be included in next year's budget.
President Dr Muizzu concluded by affirming that the government is committed to shifting Hinnavaru from a slow pace of development to one of rapid, transformative progress.