President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday assured the swift completion of the water and sewerage project in Maaungoodhoo, Shaviyani Atoll, which he said will be followed by a road modernisation project in the island.
The commitment signals a significant acceleration in development for the community, with the President further vowing to continue implementing vital projects aimed at improving local infrastructure and services.
Addressing a community meeting in Maaungoodhoo, as part of his ongoing four-day tour of Shaviyani Atoll, President Dr Muizzu highlighted plans for the construction of the council building and the expansion of island’s health centre as key priorities.
He assured attendees that the construction of a new four-storey building to address the current space constraints faced by the local school, a branch of the National Centre for the Holy Quran, a police station, and a fitness and recreation centre, will move forward as planned. The President confirmed that necessary funding and logistical arrangements for these projects are in place.
A significant upgrade is also anticipated for the health sector with the President revealing that the new health centre building will enable the introduction of enhanced services, including a transition to 24-hour operation.
"The extension building of the health centre will be a step forward in providing health services. The government intends to upgrade the centre to round the clock service," he said, emphasising the critical nature of this development.
Regarding the long-awaited water and sewerage systems, President Dr Muizzu confirmed that the project will be expedited, explaining that the project, initially awarded to a private company by the previous administration and left half-completed, will be restarted by the state-owned Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC).
"MWSC will soon re-start the project, load and mobilise the materials. Then the company will continue and complete the project," the President assured the gathered residents.
Following the completion of these essential utility works, the President also confirmed that a road construction project will commence.
Further addressing the requests of the Maaungoodhoo community, the President pledged the completion of the harbour upgrade project, coastal protection and the development of a dedicated area for beachgoers.
In fitness and recreation, he announced that the development of a football stadium will see a handover this month, with practical construction work slated to begin before the end of the year.
President Dr Muizzu reiterated his administration's dedication to the ongoing development of Maaungoodhoo, promising continued investment and project execution to meet the needs of its residents.
During the visit, President Dr Muizzu met with members of the Maaungoodhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee, and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities.
During the discussion, council members emphasised several important needs, including accelerating the delayed water and sewerage system project, designating a beach area as part of the coastal protection project, and improving road infrastructure. They also requested the completion of the harbour, construction of a larger mosque, and development of recreational facilities such as a fitness centre and sports arena.
Additionally, they suggested establishing a pump station in flood-prone areas and extending the health centre's service hours from 16 to 24 hours.
President Dr Muizzu assured participants that the Government would give due consideration to their concerns.