President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to address the space constraints at the harbour and implement land reclamation works in Gulhi, Kaafu Atoll.
The President made these remarks this while addressing the residents of Gulhi on his visit to the island on Sunday.
Although land constraints remain a major issue in Gulhi, the former administration had contracted Gulhi’s land reclamation project, which had failed to progress.
In his address, President Muizzu stated that high priority will be given this year to continue the island’s land expansion project. Explaining that the project could not be continued in 2024 due to budgetary constraints stemming from the former government’s inadequate allocations in the budget, the President confirmed that the funds needed for the project have been included in this year’s budget. He assured that the project would commence soon in alignment with the vision of the island council, and would not come to a standstill before the bund wall and reclamation efforts are fully completed.
“A team from Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) is already active in Gulhi. I want to assure you that the preparations for the installation of bund wall are now ready. The project will not stop this time as it did before,” the President emphasised.
Addressing the space constraints at the Gulhi Harbour, President Muizzu assured that he would resolve the issue, while also finding solutions for the issues caused to the island’s channel post. The President noted that the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure, in collaboration with the Gulhi Council, would decide whether a new harbour needs to be constructed or if development can take place at the existing harbour. He said that the decision would prioritise the most beneficial solution, with significant consideration given to the economic benefits for the island. Further highlighting that the administration is seeking technical advice for a solution through the ongoing harbour channel project, he said that any feasible solution identified through the project would be considered. The President emphasised that resolving space constraints at the harbour is critical to the overall development of Gulhi.
Speaking on the issue of land allotted for tourism purposes that does not benefit the island, the President stated that, after studying the matter, if the Attorney General's Office (AGO), the Ministry of Tourism, and the Island Council determine that terminating the agreement is in the island’s best interest, the administration would facilitate this process.
Speaking further, the President stated that the resumption of stalled projects in the education sector and capacity-building efforts for the health sector of the island would be prioritised within this year’s government budget. He also pledged to resolve the issue of space constraints at the island mosque and address the island’s waste management problem.
The President’s visit to Gulhi marks his maiden trip to the islands this year as part of his ongoing programme of visiting all the atolls of the nation, which he initiated in 2024, aiming to engage in discussions with local councils across the atolls, islands, and cities.