President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the highest priority is given to achieving the development desired by the citizens. He said this while speaking at a meeting with the people of Funadhoo. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said that all preparations for the development needs of Funadhoo are being carried out at a rapid pace, and what remains now is the practical implementation of these plans. The President also mentioned that the purpose of his visit to the island was to provide assurance and share this information. Additionally, he stated that another purpose of the trip was to give the opportunity for citizens to express their needs in person and to proceed with matters as the people desire.
In his speech, the President mentioned that the most urgent need for Funadhoo is the implementation of the water and sewerage project. Emphasizing the importance of completing this project quickly for the island, the President stated that this project is crucial not only for the general life of Funadhoo’s residents but also for advancing in the tourism sector. Therefore, he assured that this work would be carried out at high speed with great priority and completed quickly. The President also mentioned that the water and sewerage work for Funadhoo has now been assigned to MWSC, and the materials needed for the project have already been procured.
“I assure you that this work will begin this month and will be completed at a rapid pace with high priority. This will alleviate the difficulties you are facing,” the President said. He noted that many projects need to be implemented in Funadhoo, and as it is an island where local tourism has greatly expanded, there is difficulty in accommodating visitors. In this regard, the President highlighted the need to find a solution for the accommodation of health and education sector employees who need to reside on the island. He stated that priority is given to proceeding with matters as the citizens desire, and as such, an accommodation block for employees who need to reside on the island will be included in next year’s budget.
“This will end the need to spend on renting places at high costs, making it easier and more affordable for the council, school, and health center,” the President said. Funadhoo currently operates 16 guesthouses with over 240 beds. In his speech, the President mentioned that there are important matters for the health sector, including the establishment of a laboratory, which is a project to be carried out on all islands. As such, he stated that a new building for the health center will be constructed within the health center’s compound in Funadhoo, where laboratory and other services will be initiated, and this work will be carried out this year.
Funadhoo, with a registered population of 416, has about 200 residents. The President noted that Funadhoo has a high number of thalassemia patients relative to its population and stated that the establishment of a laboratory and other health services would ease the process of seeking treatment for these individuals. Addressing the education sector, the President said that projects would be carried out with attention to this area. He also mentioned that sports projects implemented on every island would also be carried out in Funadhoo, with the work on a fitness and recreation center set to begin this year. Additionally, the President said that a project for constructing a volleyball court would be included in next year’s budget. Furthermore, he stated that a fully-equipped futsal ground would be developed, giving priority to all aspects of the sports sector.
The President said that Funadhoo’s development would be carried out in an organized manner, and as Funadhoo is an important island for tourism, arrangements would be made for the nearby island of Innafinolhu to be handed over to the island council as per the citizens’ wishes. He added that Innafinolhu would be handed over to the council in a way that allows the income generated from the island to benefit Funadhoo. The President also mentioned that it has been decided to build a mosque in Funadhoo, and this project will be included in next year’s budget. He concluded by saying that all his enthusiasm is directed towards bringing development to the target desired by the citizens.
