President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, during a high-level visit to Kulhudhuffushi City as part of his tour of inhabited islands in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, unveiled a sweeping development agenda and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to decentralised governance. Drawing upon his tenure as Mayor of Malé City, the president pledged to insulate local councils from political interference and deliver equitable progress across the country.
Among the key announcements was the imminent reopening of deepwater vertical longline shark fisheries, alongside a legislative and administrative push to empower local councils. President Muizzu stated that his government would pursue development initiatives without regard to political affiliation, promising that no citizen would be excluded from national advancement.
Addressing residents of Kulhudhuffushi City, the president declared that his administration’s development strategy would be guided by principles of inclusivity and impartiality. “Our objective is to fulfil our pledges to the people without discrimination,” he said, underscoring a governance philosophy that eschews partisan bias.
This approach is anchored in proposed amendments to the Decentralisation Act, which President Muizzu described as essential to reinforcing citizen empowerment, enhancing council accountability, and fortifying the decentralised system. He drew a pointed contrast with previous administrations, recounting the “harassment and obstacles” he faced as Malé City Mayor. His government, he pledged, would not subject councils to similar pressures.
To operationalise this shift, President Muizzu announced that senior government officials are visiting communities directly, eliminating the need for councils to travel to the capital for assistance. He confirmed that his administration is already working in alignment with council priorities and is facilitating their financial empowerment.
He reiterated that development planning would not be contingent upon an island’s population size or political orientation. “Our priority is to deliver on our promises to all citizens,” he said, “ensuring that the development desired by the people is achieved across the nation.”
In his address, President Muizzu reaffirmed his commitment to decentralised governance, citing his own municipal leadership experience as a guiding influence. Responding to criticism surrounding the 16th Amendment to the Decentralisation Act, he underscored that his administration would actively prevent undue interference in the affairs of local councils.
Among the reforms already enacted, the president highlighted the revision of allowances for women’s development committees (WDCs), recognising their essential role in community advancement. He also noted the initiation of infrastructure projects led directly by local councils, granting them greater authority over development initiatives.
Jurisdictional clarity has also been prioritised. Islands and lagoons are now being formally included within the remit of inhabited islands, a measure which the president stated is designed to enable councils to pursue sustainable economic strategies tailored to their unique resources and local priorities.
President Muizzu stated that all proposed initiatives would be implemented in accordance with the national development framework and officially approved land use plans. This structured approach, he affirmed, would ensure that projects are both sustainable and responsive to community needs.
The president’s visit also served as a platform to present an ambitious development blueprint for Kulhudhuffushi City. He expressed his aspiration for both individual prosperity and collective progress, identifying housing as a critical concern and highlighting Tuesday's launch of a 2,400-flat project aimed at alleviating the city’s housing shortage.
Infrastructure enhancements are central to this vision, the president said. He outlined plans for the further development of the Kulhudhuffushi City Airport terminal, which he believes will resolve existing operational challenges. He also revealed that land adjacent to the airport would be made available to investors for the establishment of a city hotel, expanding hospitality services in the region.
Economic diversification also featured prominently in the president's address. He noted that the nearby island of Keylakunu has been formally assigned to the Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) for development as an ecotourism destination. President Muizzu confirmed that the requisite design work and financing have been secured, allowing the project to commence imminently.
Commercial activity is also set to expand, with new services at Kulhudhuffushi’s port expected to yield substantial economic benefits, as the City Council undertakes the expedited allocation of land required for harbour expansion.
In the social sector, President Muizzu pledged that all planned educational projects for Kulhudhuffushi would be completed by year-end. He further announced that an Islamic Centre is scheduled for inclusion in the forthcoming fiscal budget.
Healthcare infrastructure is also being prioritised. President Muizzu reiterated that Kulhudhuffushi has been designated as the centre of the Northern Integrated Development Zone, and a tertiary-level hospital is planned for the area. The design phase has already been assigned, he elaborated, with construction expected to begin upon its completion.
President Muizzu assured residents that both ongoing and future infrastructure projects would proceed with urgency and full governmental support. He also reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to realising a vision of inclusive development, grounded in the principles of decentralisation and responsive governance.
President Muizzu also announced that the government will reinstate deepwater vertical longline shark fishing, with operations scheduled to begin on 1 November. The move revives a historically significant fishery that had been suspended following regulatory reforms and environmental concerns.
Addressing residents of Kulhudhuffushi City, the president acknowledged that deepwater shark fishing had once been widespread across the country but was discontinued amid shifting regulatory priorities and ecological assessments.
The decision to resume the fishery follows consultations with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources. A comprehensive management plan has been drafted to oversee the activity, the president said, with an emphasis on regulatory oversight and environmental sustainability.
Historically, the Maldives supported three categories of shark fishing: reef, oceanic and deepwater. Shark fishing was suspended after scientific studies raised concerns about declining shark populations in Maldivian waters. More recently, however, fishermen have reported a resurgence in shark numbers, prompting renewed interest in the sector.
Officials anticipate that the reopening will yield substantial economic returns. In addition to direct income generation, the initiative is expected to stimulate ancillary industries, particularly those involved in producing value-added goods such as shark liver oil. The measure forms part of a broader national strategy to diversify the economy and revitalise key segments of the fisheries sector.
President Muizzu concluded by urging stakeholders to prepare for the resumption of operations, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustainable development and economic resilience.