President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to modernise and double the size of Gaafaru's harbour in Kaafu Atoll next year, with the aim to ensure the harbour remains efficient and sustainable without requiring further upgrades in the long term. He made the statement while speaking with the residential community of Gaafaru on Monday.
The President's visit to Gaafaru was part of his ongoing two-day tour of several islands in the Alifu Alifu and Kaafu Atolls. Gaafaru is traditionally a fishing community. The primary challenge facing Gaafaru's fishing community is the limited space in the island's harbour, which is used not only by local fishermen but also by those from neighbouring islands.
While space constraints are a pressing concern for the fishermen of Gaafaru, they have consistently sought the development and expansion of the island’s harbour. The existing 1,000-foot-wide harbour was originally developed during President Dr Muizzu’s tenure as housing minister.
During his meeting with the residential community of Gaafaru, President Dr Muizzu pledged to develop and double the size of the island’s harbour. He made this commitment to address the concerns of the fishing community and assured them that the delivery of his electoral pledges would commence next year.
During the meeting, President Dr Muizzu urged the residents of Gaafaru to collaborate with the Gaafaru Island Council and relevant government ministries to formulate a design for a new harbour. Once the design is finalised, the government will incorporate it into the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) and initiate the physical works of the project next year, he said.
The President reiterated his commitment to upgrading the Gaafaru healthcare centre and expanding the local school to alleviate space constraints. Assuring that the government will initiate physical works on these projects next year, President Dr Muizzu underscored that the administration prioritises housing projects, followed by the healthcare and education sectors.
"These two projects will be carried forward next year. With God's will, we will strive to reach completion next year. I also pledged to increase the capacity of the ice plant, and I will fulfil that pledge. For next year, the plan is to build ice plants on islands that currently lack them. Funding has been allocated for this through foreign aid and the government’s budget. However, as I pledged, I will double the capacity of this island’s ice plant," he assured.
The President also highlighted the significance of undertaking developmental projects while prioritising the promotion of sports and efficient waste management. He described 2025 as a pivotal year during which the government will initiate numerous developmental initiatives nationwide.