President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government will seek contractors to implement all housing projects planned for this year this month.
Speaking to residents of Gulhi, Kaafu Atoll, the President stated that 2025 will be a year of prosperity for the Maldivian people, with multiple development projects being implemented across the country.
The President emphasised that while practical work of several development projects will kick off this year, the highest priority will be given to housing-related projects. Declaring the current year as the year of active development efforts, the President highlighted that 2025 would become the year where most housing projects are implemented. Of these initiatives, the housing projects in the atolls will be handed over to contractors by the end of this month, he noted.
“We will seek contractors to begin practical work on all housing projects pledged during the campaign and included in the manifesto within this month. This year will become the year where the most efforts were undertaken for housing-related projects,” the President said.
The President’s pledges include the construction of 20,000 housing units in the south and an equal number in the north. While USD 162.1 million has been allocated in this year’s budget for housing projects, USD 64.9 million is earmarked for infrastructural work.
Noting that significant housing-related projects will also be conducted in the Male’ Area, President Muizzu said the land reclamation under the visionary Ras Male’ project will soon see swift progress.
“We are actively seeking additional contractors to expedite the land reclamation process. This way, we can utilise multiple dredgers simultaneously to multiply dredging speed by two or threefold,” he said.
The President also confirmed that efforts to issue light loans to home owners under the government’s Hiyaavahi loan scheme will begin this year. Additionally, the government will settle all dues owed to private contractors over the next couple of months, alleviating the financial burden son companies and stimulate new works.
Speaking at the same ceremony, the Member of Parliament for Huraa Constituency Dr Anara Naeem praised the administration for prioritising the people’s concerns. Describing the administration as one that listens to the people, empathises with their feelings and works closely with them, Anara said the first year of administration has demonstrated the administration’s commitment to addressing the issues that matter most to the people.
Noting the significance of President Muizzu visiting all islands of the Huraa constituency and meeting with residents and councils so early into his term, Anara expressed appreciation to President Muizzu for his engagement with her constituency. The current government will work towards increasing the people’s wealth and prosperity, as well as bringing about stability and happiness, she noted, adding that the ambitious Ras Male’ project, which will come to life in an area near Gulhi, will bring immense benefit to the people of Gulhi.
"I trust that each and every decision of the government, every step taken, is taken for the benefit of the people,” she stated.
In her address, Anara outlined the needs of the people of Gulhi and noted land limitations and housing issues as top priorities. The island is also in need of a new mosque, laboratory services and resumption of the paused school building project, she added.