President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has declared that development projects are actively underway across the Maldivian archipelago, fulfilling electoral pledged with tangible results evident on every island.
Speaking at the completion ceremony of the land reclamation and shore protection project in Gulhi, Kaafu Atoll, President Dr Muizzu emphasised that his administration views every Maldivian citizen as equal, vowing to address the specific needs of each island community.
"I would like to tell the people of every island in Maldives that they are equal before this government. If there is anything to be done for the people of that island, it will be done in this way," he said, underscoring his commitment to a fair and equitable distribution of development.
He assured residents that project agreements would be signed, initiated, and brought to completion, with similar scenes of progress soon to be witnessed across the nation. The President reiterated the government's steadfast aim to fulfill its commitments to the people.
The newly reclaimed land in Gulhi, he noted, represents a pivotal step towards numerous future development initiatives. President Dr Muizzu affirmed that a land use plan would be formulated in direct response to the community's needs, promising full cooperation and facilitation for housing and other essential social infrastructure projects.
"Whether it is housing projects to build houses or social infrastructure development, the government will cooperate fully with the people in the direction they want to go," he assured.
Beyond land reclamation, the President also highlighted plans to accelerate the harbour expansion project in Gulhi, noting that necessary equipment is already on the island.
He pledged to prioritise the completion of additional ongoing projects and address the complex issue of land allocated for tourism in Gulhi. Acknowledging legal and regulatory challenges that could potentially harm the state, President Dr Muizzu committed to working towards a resolution that accommodates the people's requests. He concluded by assuring residents that current projects, along with those earmarked in next year's budget, would all see implementation.
Addressing attendees at the project completion ceremony Huraa MP Dr Anara Naeem praised the government’s swift execution of critical infrastructure projects, specifically thanking President Dr Muizzu for ensuring the swift delivery of the two projects in Gulhi.
Dr Anara highlighted the government’s commitment to fulfilling its infrastructure pledges, citing the shore protection project as a prime example of the government’s capacity to initiate and finalise crucial development work efficiently.
Dr Anara noted that development momentum is not confined to this project alone. She confirmed that other government initiatives underway in Gulhi are also progressing swiftly, adding that similar development projects are actively being implemented in various other islands across the archipelago, forming part of a wider national developmental push.
“All the projects will bring a huge infrastructure improvement to Maldives,” she explained, emphasising the strategic vision behind the current government’s agenda.
The lawmaker asserted that the country is currently engaged in working toward infrastructure development nationwide, focusing intensely on human resource development, ensuring health, and promoting the overall well-being of the population. Dr Anara concluded by assuring the public that the results of these concentrated governmental efforts will soon become evident, stating confidently that positive and lasting changes will emerge across the country in the near future.
As part of the proceedings, the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib, presented a commemorative plaque to Gulhi Council President, Moosa Safeel, marking the official handover and completion of the extensive dredging and shore protection projects.
Both the dredging and the subsequent shore protection initiatives were undertaken by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), following the award of the contract in March 2023. The shore protection component was vital for safeguarding the newly reclaimed area, involving the installation of a robust 940 metres of stone revetment complemented by 362 meters of geobag revetment.
To coincide with the successful completion of the land reclamation and shore protection projects, MTCC was officially awarded the contract for the significant Gulhi harbour development project during the ceremony.