President Dr Mohamed Muizzu witnessed a pivotal agreement on Tuesday to develop a specialised hotel school in Hulhimendhoo, Laamu Atoll, asserting the project marks an essential step towards bolstering the island nation’s ' tourism industry.
The development of an institution dedicated to building capacity within the tourism sector was a major electoral commitment by the President.
Speaking to residents of Maamendhoo as part of his ongoing official tour of all inhabited islands in Laamu Atoll, President Dr Muizzu underscored the project's strategic significance.
"This hotel school is an important initiative for the development of the tourism industry of the entire country. It is an important step to build human resource capacity in this sector," he explained.
The President emphasised that the Hulhimendhoo project is expected to bring widespread development to the nation’s entire hospitality sector.
In addition to the hospitality initiative, the President announced several other key infrastructure projects for Maamendhoo. He confirmed that a major dredging project would soon commence, reclaiming 21 hectares of land, which he noted would enable the launch of further community and economic ventures on the island.
Addressing other local concerns, President Dr Muizzu also assured residents that critical infrastructure problems would be swiftly addressed. He confirmed that the state-owned Fenaka Corporation Limited would begin work very shortly to solve the long-standing electricity supply issues. Additionally, the President pledged that efforts would be made to resolve the space constraints currently faced by the Maamendhoo school before assuring residents that all projects kicked-off during his visit would be completed as planned.
In addition to the hotel school contract, the President, during his visit witnessed the contract signing to upgrade the harbour, shore protection and road modernisation project in Maamendhoo. He also attended the official groundbreaking on the Maamendhoo Island Council secretariat building before inaugurating the new established laboratory service in the island’s health centre.
President Dr Muizzu, during the visit met with members of the Maamendhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities.
During the meeting, held at Maamendhoo School, council members highlighted the island’s most pressing development needs, including resolving ongoing electricity issues and upgrading the electrical network. They also raised concerns about the shortage of space at the island’s school and emphasised the need for additional classrooms and a multi-purpose hall.
The President is into the second day of a three-day visit to 11 inhabited islands of Laamu Atoll.
This visit is part of the President’s nationwide initiative to visit all Maldivian atolls, strengthening direct engagement with atoll, island, and city councils to drive development across the country.