President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced a series of key development projects for Manadhoo, Noonu Atoll, including the development of a new sewerage system, road development project, and upgrades to healthcare. He announced the projects while addressing the residents of Manadhoo during a meeting held as part of his ongoing visit to Noonu Atoll.
During the meeting, the President confirmed that the road development and sewerage projects will be commenced within the next month. He said over the last 1.5 years, he worked on facilitating the implementation of projects. Although there are economical challenges, his administration has now identified ways to implement development projects despite these challenges, he said. This includes resuming stalled projects and projects that align with his pledges, he added.
Highlighting the long-standing issues with Manadhoo’s existing sewerage system, the President said while the island’s residents have suffered these problems for over a decade, the solution to these issues is the construction of a new sewerage system. While this is the only viable solution, this project will carry a substantial amount of expense, he noted. Reiterating that such major projects are now ready to be carried out, the President said the Road Development Corporation (RDC) will commence the sewerage system project next month. The President said that although a new sewerage project is being launched, Fenaka Corporation Limited will continue efforts to bring a temporary solution for the existing sewerage system.
The President also assured that the island’s road construction project would be implemented alongside sewerage project.
Addressing ongoing healthcare concerns, the President said that until the construction of the new hospital in Manadhoo is completed, additional services will be introduced at the island’s existing hospital. These include the establishment of physiotherapy, mental health and speech therapy services, with the recruitment of technical professionals already underway, he said. An Intensive Care Unit (ICU) will also be established this year, he said, although weather conditions have caused slight delays.
The President reiterated that healthcare across all islands is a top priority for the government. While health sector development is essential for every island unlike infrastructural development, the government is prioritizing the establishment of a comprehensive heath service across all islands of the Maldives, he said.
The President said that a significant amount of work has been done to strengthen the health system in the past 1.5 years and said several projects will be completed and new projects will be launched in the future. The President said that strengthening the health services provided in Noonu Atoll is an important policy of the government.
Highlighting the sports sector, the President reaffirmed his pledges to build a fitness and recreation centre, an outdoor gym and a multi-sports complex in Manadhoo. While the multi-sports complex is a foreign-funded project, the President said funds have already been allocated for the project. A volleyball court will also be built in Manadhoo this year, he said.
The President said the government also gives priority to the education sector and said that the Ministry of Islamic Affairs is working to fulfill his pledge to build a university campus in Manadhoo. The work will also proceed as soon as land is allocated for the purpose, he said. In addition, the Manadhoo School development project will also be completed soon, he said.
Regarding housing, the President acknowledged housing as a pressing across all islands. The President said although housing requirements cannot be met within one year, a multi-year strategy, including the construction of housing units and the housing loan scheme, will provide a lasting solution. He announced that 50 housing units would be constructed in Manadhoo this year as a first phase, with more projects to follow in subsequent years.
The President also announced the introduction of direct transfer between Manadhoo and Ungoofaaru of Raa Atoll via Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry service by November this year.
Earlier on Monday, the President met with members of the Manadhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key developmental priorities. The meeting took place at Manadhoo Asvaaru Hall.
During the discussion, the Council raised several concerns, with particular emphasis on strengthening the health sector. They highlighted the need to expand services to include physiotherapy, psychiatric care, and speech therapy. The Council also urged action regarding the stalled harbour project, highlighting existing challenges with the channel, the access stairs for the elderly, and the outer jetty constructed in the lagoon.
The Council further underlined the importance of developing youth sports facilities, resolving delays in establishing a police station, and addressing road-related challenges. They stressed the urgent need to fix the island’s drainage system to facilitate road construction and support wider infrastructure improvements.
In response, President Dr Muizzu assured that the government would carefully review the concerns raised and work towards practical solutions. He also shared updates on ongoing development projects, with additional details provided by Cabinet ministers and heads of state-owned enterprises present at the meeting.
As part of the President’s visit to Manadhoo, passport services were also launched on the island. The service was launched by the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusan.
It is an important policy of President Dr Muizzu to expand passport and national identity card issuance services across the Maldives. On 16 November last year, President Muizzu launched the nationwide project to expand the delivery of national identity cards and passports.
While the service is being launched in different parts of the Maldives, the passport service is currently available in first and second phases of Hulhumale and Villimale in addition to Male’. According to Maldives Immigration, with the launch of the passport service in Manadhoo, the service has now been expanded to a total of 11 atolls.
The Maldives Immigration aims to provide passport services in all atolls of the country before the end of this year. While Passport and ID card issuance services are available in different parts of the Maldives, Maldivian passport and ID card issuance services are also available in Malaysia, where a large number of Maldivians reside. This marks the firstt international expansion of the service.
Manadhoo is the fourth destination on President Muizzu's four-day official visit to Noonu Atoll. The tour, which spans 21–24 July, includes stops at Maafaru, Holhudhoo, Lhohi, Kudafari, Ken'dhikulhudhoo, Velidhoo, Hen’badhoo, Magoodhoo, Maalhendhoo, Miladhoo, Fodhdhoo, and Landhoo.