President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that a major project to establish basic infrastructure on unused reclaimed land will be included in next year’s budget. He said this during his speech while meeting with the people of Eydhafushi as part of his ongoing tour of the inhabited islands of South Maalhosmadulu Atoll. Referring to the issue of establishing water, sewerage, and electricity services for the reclaimed area of Eydhafushi, he said that this is a long-standing problem faced by various parts of the country. Therefore, he said that a major project to establish basic infrastructure on unused reclaimed land will be included in next year’s budget as a new policy initiative, and the issue will be resolved in a systematic manner.
“We are preparing next year’s budget to include a special program for this. When preparing next year’s budget, we are including a special new policy initiative program. We are including a project to establish utilities and infrastructure needed for reclaimed lands. Priority will be given to islands based on population and development potential. Then to islands with larger populations. It will be prioritized in this way. Among these, this island will be given top priority, and we will look into starting some phases from this year if possible and begin work.” the President said. Referring to the presidential pledges made for the development of Eydhafushi, he shared updates on the work being done in many related areas. As such, he said that the practical work of establishing 1000 housing units will begin this year and will be completed within this term.
He said that relevant authorities estimate that the harbor work will be completed within the next six months, and that the practical work of establishing an indoor multi-sports complex will begin this year. In addition, he said that an ATM providing US Dollar services will be established this year. He also said that efforts will be made this year and next year to improve the quality of utility services such as electricity and water in the island, including an extension to the newly allocated land area. He also said that work will begin next year to establish convention centers in the islands where he has pledged to do so, including Eydhafushi.
As part of the President’s tour, the RTL ferry service was officially launched in Eydhafushi today. And at tonight’s meeting, agreements were signed to establish a campus of the Maldives National University in Eydhafushi and to award the contract for the new building of B. Atoll Hospital. At this meeting, the President highlighted the national development plans he detailed in this year’s Presidential Address. He noted that with the implementation and establishment of these matters, services will be decentralized and true empowerment will be ensured for the people.
He reminded that the commitment of the councils is to implement the policies set by the government and to serve the people. An the people. And he appealed to the councils to align their development vision even if their political views differ.
