President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to advancing progress in Molhadhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, with the objective of matching the developmental strides observed on more populous islands. This pledge was made during his address to the residents of Molhadhoo, as part of his ongoing visit to several islands in the Haa Alifu Atoll.
Commencing his three-day visit on Tuesday, President Dr Muizzu arrived in Molhadhoo on Thursday to engage with the community, which has a registered population of 412 residents. Despite the island's modest population, he underscored the paramount importance of rights and service delivery to all residents, stating that the administration will expedite developmental projects in accordance with the preferences and aspirations of the local community.
Citing the significance of the water supply and sewerage network project, President Dr Muizzu addressed the suspension of several previously initiated infrastructure projects. He attributed the delays to the negligence of the former administration but reaffirmed his government's commitment to completing these projects. Despite the project's commencement in 2021 and its current unfinished status, he assured residents that solutions had been identified to resume and complete the suspended initiatives.
"From an economic perspective, this island is substantial and offers a comfortable living environment. It is well-suited for local tourism," stated President Dr Muizzu. He noted that the island council had not extended the water supply project to the area designated for local tourism, which would now be costly to address.
"We will identify a solution to that problem," he assured. "Electricity, water, and sewerage, in a specific order, will be addressed with the council and minister to find resolutions at the earliest opportunity."
President Dr Muizzu underscored the immediate priority of completing the suspended water and sewerage project, followed by extending these services to the area designated for local tourism. He also drew attention to other pressing needs of the community, including quality education for all children, irrespective of the island's population size. The administration is committed to allocating the necessary funds to ensure quality education, including the completion of the Molhadhoo School project and the provision of resources to enhance the education sector, he added.
The construction of a new building for Molhadhoo School, which commenced in 2021, has encountered delays and suspensions. President Dr Muizzu assured that his administration would prioritise resuming the school building project and enhancing healthcare services by providing the necessary equipment, increasing staff, expanding the healthcare centre, and addressing other sectoral issues. These initiatives will be financed through this year's allocated budget, he stated.
Addressing waste management issues, President Dr Muizzu noted that advance funds had been allocated to 21 islands, including Molhadhoo, during the previous administration; however, progress had stalled. This administration had identified solutions to advance these projects, he assured, promising the development of a modern waste management facility and sporting facilities on Molhadhoo.
Stressing the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles to prevent diseases associated with sedentary habits, President Dr Muizzu stated that the administration will establish a fitness and recreation centre, a futsal ground, and a volleyball court. He also assured that the government would support the local island council in issuing land plots and ensuring residents have easy access to housing loans.
In his address, President Dr Muizzu also reiterated his administration's commitment to ensuring that all residents of Molhadhoo benefit from comprehensive development, encompassing improved infrastructure, education, healthcare, and recreational facilities.
During his recent visit to Molhadhoo, President Dr Muizzu also engaged with the Molhadhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of government and state institutions.
The primary focus of the discussions centred on the challenges and developmental aspirations of the residential community. Council members highlighted the urgent need for the implementation of water and sewerage systems, alleviation of overcrowding in school and council buildings, and mitigation of ongoing coastal erosion.
The council further emphasised the necessity for a new health centre, noting that the existing facility had not been renovated for many years. Additionally, they advocated for the establishment of a futsal ground, volleyball court, children's park, and a youth and community centre to enhance community facilities on the island.
In response, President Dr Muizzu assured the council members that measures would be taken to address the issues raised. Accompanying him were ministers and heads of institutions, who provided the latest updates on the concerns discussed.
In an effort to enhance financial accessibility, President Dr Muizzu's visit to Molhadhoo also culminated in the formalisation of an agreement between the Bank of Maldives (BML) and the Molhadhoo Island Council to establish Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services on the island.
The agreement was signed by Mohamed Shareef, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Bank of Maldives, and Mohamed Sinadh, President of the Molhadhoo Island Council, representing their respective entities.
This initiative is a crucial component of President Dr Muizzu’s broader strategy, launched in November 2024, which aims to establish ATM services across all inhabited islands. The primary goal of this strategy is to enhance financial empowerment for island residents. The administration has set an ambitious target to introduce ATM services on all inhabited islands by the end of 2025, thereby ensuring comprehensive financial inclusivity nationwide.