President Aims to Accelerate Developmental Projects to Deliver Results

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday shared his vision to deliver results for the people through acceleration of developmental projects across the country.

Addressing residents of Maarandhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll during his visit to the island as part of his ongoing three-day tour of several islands in the Atoll, President Muizzu emphasised that he clearly remembers the promises made during the presidential campaign, noting that the government remains seriously committed to fulfilling them.

Acknowledging the numerous development projects that have been initiated and subsequently halted on the island, the President explained that his Administration has identified ways to resume these projects through allocations in this year’s State budget.

He specifically assured residents of a comprehensive solution to the harbour issues. Additionally, he promised to address coastal erosion, school space constraints, and healthcare centre service improvements, stating that work would resume in the near future. The President also pledged a new football ground and to find a solution for staff shortages in the Maarandhoo Health Center along with the establishment of laboratory services.

The President also announced that HA. Maarandhoo would be integrated into the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) scheduled ferry service before Ramadan.

The President emphasised that these visits by himself and the Cabinet members should not be viewed as wasteful expenditure – rather, he pointed out that the real waste stems from the cost of delayed action.

He indicated that meeting with local institutions alongside relevant Ministers facilitates swift resolution of issues.

“I want the relevant ministers to accompany me, to meet and discuss with the council and the community in person, instead of staying comfortably in Male’,” the President said. President Inaugurates New Police Post During his visit to the island, President Dr Muizzu officially inaugurated the new Maarandhoo Police Post.

The President hoisted the flag to mark the inauguration during a small ceremony, with the Minister Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau and community leaders in attendance.

This initiative by President Muizzu’s Administration aims to establish police presence on all islands across the Maldives. The initiative includes establishing Police Stations, Police Posts or Police Desks in islands based on population size.

So far Police Posts have been established in 23 different islands. The government aims to establish police presence in all inhabited islands by the end of 2026. Maarandhoo Inks Deal for ATM Service During the visit, President Muizzu also witnessed the signing of an agreement between Maarandhoo Island Council and Bank of Maldives (BML) to install an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) on the island.

BML’s CEO and Managing Director, Mohamed Shareef signed the agreement on behalf of the bank, while the President of the Maarandhoo Island Council Jailam Haroon signed on behalf of the island. In November last year, BML announced an ambitious initiative to install ATMs in all inhabited islands by the end of 2025. This initiative aligns with the President’s pledge to provide ATM services in all inhabited islands of the Maldives, ensuring that all Maldivians have access to banking services.

Currently, BML operates 150 ATMs across 90 islands. The bank aims to install ATMs in 17 additional islands by the end of March 2025. President Meets Maarandhoo’s Community Leaders As the first order of business upon arrival in Maarandhoo, President Dr Muizzu met with members of the Maarandhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of institutions to discuss matters needed for the island’s development.

At the meeting, the Council members had appealed to the President to expedite the harbour expansion project and for a sustainable solution to the issue of erosion, as well as the challenges facing waste management and electricity provision.

The Council also appealed to bring in resources and employees to ensure that the health centre of the island is upgraded to a level two facility. The Council further asked for assistance in placing solar panels at the island’s main mosque. The President affirmed that this Administration would work to fulfil his pledges and address the needs highlighted by the Council. The accompanying Ministers and heads of Government institutions provided updates on the progress of ongoing development projects in Maarandhoo.

In addition to Maarandhoo, President Dr Muizzu’s three-day itinerary includes stops in Muraidhoo, Dhihdhoo, Hoarafushi, Ihavandhoo, Filladhoo, Molhadhoo, Thakandhoo, Uligamu, and Utheemu.

This tour is part of the President’s 2024 pledge to engage with local councils across the atolls, islands, and cities. Accompanying the President on this tour are cabinet ministers and senior government officials, underscoring the administration’s commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of the island communities.