President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday assured the people of Kinolhas, Raa Atoll to finally end their long wait to witness developmental progress in the island.
When President Muizzu visited the island on Thursday as part of his ongoing tour of several islands of Raa Atoll, Kinolhas Island Council president Ahmed Hussain shared the developmental needs of the island that had failed the attention of successive governments for more than a decade.
Ahmed Hussain said the Kinolhas had been made to wait for 12 long years to get adequate sports facilities, a children’s park or more classrooms in the island school to cater to its growing number of students.
After listening to the concerns, President Muizzu assured that Kinolhas would not be left behind in his Administration’s efforts to bring about nationwide development and progress.
He noted that real and sustainable development is not limited to concrete buildings, insisting parks and recreational facilities were significant to the mental wellbeing of the people.
President Muizzu said he understood the frustrations of the people of Kinolhas, pledging to finally end the years of wait and establish a futsal, football and handball ground in the island.
He also stressed on the importance of education in his vision for the Maldives, promising to add more classrooms along with other facilities in the island’s school.
The President said most of these projects will be kick-started during the year.
"At the same time, the health sector. The State budget has prioritised the education and health sector. Every citizen is equal and important to me. Everyone should have access to the same standards of healthcare. This island’s health centre is also in need of an overhaul. We will add an extension to the current health center building in the new projects this year. I heard that ambulance service on this island is also quite substandard. So I will bring about much needed development to the island’s health services,” President Muizzu said.
He also shared his vision to develop the country to improve financial accessibility through more ATMs, waste management and police posts in regions currently lacking such basic services.
President Muizzu said his Administration would encourage and assist islands looking to improve or enhance local tourism.
"To help with that, the government will connect water and sewerage to areas looking to venture into local tourism,” the President said.
In order to develop and inspire young minds in the country, President Muizzu also alluded to his plans to expand public library services to all corners of the island nation.