The government is set to introduce low interest loans in a bid to encourage investors and fuel the next wave of tourism development, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced Tuesday.
Addressing residents of Filladhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll during his visit to the island on Tuesday as part of his three-day tour of several islands of the Atoll, President Dr Muizzu pointed out that Filladhoo, blessed with abundant land and geographical advantage has immense potential for tourism expansion.
Filladhoo along with Kelaa and Vashafaru in Haa Alifu Atoll have been earmarked by President Dr Muizzu’s Administration. The government plans to maximise the use of Hanimaadhoo International Airport to funnel tourism and economic activities to Haa Dhaalu and Haa Alifu Atolls.
President Muizzu said Filladhoo has the potential to become the linchpin of the economic expansion of both Haa Alifu and Haa Dhaalu Atolls through more tourism and fisheries initiatives.
"Tourism is pivotal for economic development. We want to expand economic opportunities based on the economic viability of the Hanimaadhoo airport and the region. Therefore, the government wants to facilitate the development of the existing land. But the current banking system cannot support speedy development,” he explained.
“So, the government has taken the initiative with BML to issue loans at a reduced interest rate of 3% for the land designated by the local councils. Then with tourism development we can establish water and sewerage networks to the area.”
In addition to Haa Alifu Atoll, the President also pledged to develop tourism in the neighbouring Haa Dhaalu Atoll. He identified Naagoshi, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, leased to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) in 2006 as the government’s priority for tourism development, adding that tourism will be introduced in more islands in the Atoll.
President Dr Muizzu revealed plans to develop two tourist resorts in the lagoon of Kelaa and bring tourism to Vashfaru.
According to the President, the four northern Atolls have been designated as an integrated development zone in the regional development plan which includes tourism and fisheries development.
He also stressed on the need to develop the infrastrastructure and utility services to complement the plan to boost economic development in the region. In that regard, the President pledged special emphasis to modernise the roads in Filladhoo, currently prone to extreme flooding during heavy rains.
In his address, President Dr Muizzu also detailed the administration's comprehensive plans to enhance human resources development and capacity building across all islands with special emphasis on health and education.
He reiterated his Administration’s unwavering commitment to fulfill his presidential pledges and bring about much needed development to all corners of the country.
President Meets Filladhoo’s Community Leaders to Discuss Developmental Needs
During the visit to Filadhoo, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with members of the Filladhoo Island Council, the Women's Development Committee (WDC), and heads of institutions to discuss the island's developmental needs.
The Filladhoo Council, during the meeting with the President, emphasised the need for eight additional classrooms and facilities for the island's school, while also highlighting space limitations at the health centre and the ongoing challenges with laboratory reagent supplies. They drew attention to electricity and utility shortages in the newly populated area and the necessity of constructing a waste management centre. The council also raised concerns about flooding and the poor condition of roads, stressing the need for modernisation.
The President stated that a decision on the road modernisation project will be made once the construction scope is finalised. He also provided updates on concerns raised by the council through the Cabinet Ministers present.
The Ministers informed that the health centre currently operates for 16 hours and that they are pursuing a request to the Finance Ministry to address staffing shortages. Additionally, the Ministers highlighted ongoing collaboration with State Trading Organisation (STO) to resolve the shortage of reagents.
President Witnesses Groundbreaking of New Council Building
The President, during the visit also witnessed the groundbreaking of Filladhoo’s New Council Secretariat Building.
Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, broke ground on the project which is part of a major initiative by this Administration to rebuild all run-down council buildings within its current term.
This landmark initiative aims to construct new council secretariat buildings on a total of 105 islands. Upon completion, the administration believes that these new facilities will resolve space constraint issues faced by local councils on 70% of the islands.
President Inaugurates Household Solar Project
The government’s landmark solar project, “Magey Solar” was officially inaugurated from Filladhoo during President Muizzu’s visit to the island.
President Dr Muizzu officially launched the project with solar installation in a house in Filladhoo.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Thoriq Ibrahim said 3 to 5 Kilowatt solar systems will be installed based on the respective household’s electricity usage for the past six months.
The Minister said 750 solar systems have been brought in under the first phase and 7 Megawatt solar systems will be brought in for the second phase of the project, pointing out the significance of this initiative to move towards renewable energy sources.
"After looking at the electricity bill of this house, we are installing a 3 kilowatt solar panel system. The bill of this house, for example, costs between USD45-55 per month. If this solar system produces electricity properly, the electricity bill will be zero per month,” Minister Thoriq explained.
This initiative aims to reduce household electricity expenses and promote the use of renewable energy resources in the Maldives. It is a joint venture between the Fenaka Corporation Ltd and the Ministry, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
A total of 748 households will receive solar systems, with specific allocations for each atoll published in the Government Gazette. The programme offers 3 Kilowatt and 5 Kilowatt single-phase and three-phase systems, with the size determined by household surveys conducted under the net metering rule.
The Ministry has confirmed that there will be no advance payment required for the solar PV systems. However, a 10% installation fee, based on the system price, is required at the time of contract signing. Prices are set at USD 2,929 for a 3 kW system and USD 4,883 for a 5 kW system, with payment options available as a lump sum or in instalments over five years.
The programme aims to reduce electricity consumption and enhance the use of renewable energy in the Maldives, supporting the government’s target of generating 33% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources.
In addition to Filladhoo, President Dr Muizzu's itinerary includes stops in Muraidhoo, Dhihdhoo, Hoarafushi, Ihavandhoo, Maarandhoo, Molhadhoo, Thakandhoo, Uligamu, and Utheemu. This tour is part of the President's 2024 pledge to engage with local councils across the atolls, islands, and cities. Accompanying the President on this tour are cabinet ministers and senior government officials, underscoring the administration's commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of the island communities.