President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to upgrade Ungoofaaru Hospital in Raa Atoll to tertiary standard within the next three years, ensuring access to high-quality services.
Addressing residents of Raa Atoll’s capital island during his ongoing visit to Raa Atoll, President Muizzu highlighted the plans for the Ungoofaaru’s development and growth. He noted that the Maldives’ National Development Masterplan focuses on long-term goals of regional and sustainable development, aiming to provide equal and high-quality services across Maldives. Stating that seven islands across Maldives will be developed as urban centres, with Ungoofaaru being one, the President noted that Ungoofaaru’s transformation as an urban hub would require collective effort from the government, local councils, and the community. Therefore, extensive measures will be undertaken in Ungoofaaru over the next few years to make this goal a reality, he added.
The President expressed his commitment to establishing all the services required to develop Ungoofaaru as an urban centre and producing the desired result. While a land reclamation project had been previously undertaken on the island, a shore protection component was not pursued, leading to erosion. To address the issue, the President assured his commitment to undertake additional reclamation works with shore protection integrated into the project.
While Ungoofaaru will be developed as an urban centre, the President emphasised the need for a housing initiative on the island. He revealed plans to construct 500 housing units during the current term, assuring residents that the project would commence once the land and technical preparations are finalised. The project is critical for the achieving government goals and overall development, as well as addressing the needs of island residents and migrants.
Reiterating that the budget for the current year allocates USD 97.2 million for housing initiatives, the President emphasised that contractors for housing projects will be selected and awarded this month to ensure that the projects are implemented at the earliest, in line with his pledges.
On education and health, the President acknowledged challenges In upgrading the Ungoofaaru School as a single session school. To address this, additional classrooms and resources will be developed such that the school can be upgraded as a single session school in the future, the President stated. Furthermore, Ungoofaaru Hospital will be upgraded to a tertiary hospital under efforts to enhance healthcare in the region.
While the government will also focus on social and recreational development, the President reminded residents of his pledge to build a stadium on the island. Assuring his commitment to fulfiling the pledge, the President said other sports equipment and resources will also be established on the island.
In his remarks, the President also recalled his pledge to expand the island’s harbour, and assured that the pledge will be fulfilled as per the peoples’ wishes. He also noted plans to implement economically beneficial activities on the island. He further announced that the national transportation system, Raajje Transport Link (RTL) services will next be launched in Raa and Baa Atolls, with the services launched by the end of July.