President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reiterated that his administration will provide discounts on water and electricity bills during Ramadan, similar to last year. He gave the reassurance during his visit to Kudahuvadhoo, Dhaalu Atoll, as part of a three-day tour of the Atoll.
As part of his visit to the island, the President engaged with the island’s council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC), inaugurated key infrastructure projects, as well as emphasised his government’s dedication to addressing the island’s most pressing needs.
Groundbreaking of the New Dhaalu Atoll Hospital
A key highlight of the visit was the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Dhaalu Atoll Hospital building. The foundation stone was laid by the Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar. The project, awarded to the Road Development Corporation (RDC) for USD 11.7 million, is expected to be completed within 18 months.
The new hospital building will feature a mammography unit, a dental OPG, an orthopedic theater, and private room facilities. Additionally, a training facility for the hospital’s staff, as well as for healthcare employees from other islands within the atoll, will also be included. An emergency ER will also be established to enhance emergency medical response, alongside a flu clinic and isolation facility.
The hospital will also have piped oxygen, medical air and suction systems for all beds. A solar PV system will be installed to reduce energy costs, and the facility will also feature a power backup system, a waste management system, and a hospital-grade industrial laundry setup. A medical oxygen plant will be established.
Bank of Maldives Expansion in Kudahuvadhoo
Following the ceremony, the President attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the new branch of Bank of Maldives (BML) on the island, and commenced Self Service Banking Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services.
The foundation stone for the new BML branch was laid by BML’s Chairperson Ahmed Ali Habeeb, and Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef.
In addition to the existing ATM in Kudahuvadhoo, the newly installed ATM will provide additional banking services to customers. Tha includes depositing, withdrawing, transferring and paying for cards and loans. With the newly installed ATM, customers will be able to conduct banking transactions around the clock without the need to visit the banking branch in Kudahuvadhoo.
Meeting with Kudahuvadhoo Council
Following the ceremony, the President met the members of the Council, Women’s Development Committee and senior figures of Government institutions of the island. Council members expressed strong support for the President’s vision for national development, and emphasised the need for continued progress on initiated projects.
Key requests from the council included the establishment of an industrial area on the island, the creation of a fish processing facility, as well as urgent measures to combat erosion.
Speaking in the meeting, the President assured that the Administration will work on the issues raised by the Council. He added that special efforts will be made to ensure that urban centres would come into operation.
The Cabinet Members accompanying the President on this visit briefed the attendees on the latest progress of the developmental projects of the island.
Establishment of Water and Sewerage Services in Kudahuvadhoo’s Reclaimed Area
As part of the President’s visit to Kudahuvadhoo, an agreement was signed between the RDC and the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure to install water and sewerage systems in the dredged area of Kudahuvadhoo, and to increase the capacity of Kudahuvadhoo’s existing water system. The agreement was signed on behalf of the government by the Construction Minister Dr Abdulla Muthalib, while RDC’s Managing Director Brigadier General Ali Zuhair signed on behalf of the corporation.
The USD 5.6 million project includes the installation of water and sewerage pipes, sewerage pumping stations, sewer junction, water meters and an outfall. Additionally, a new RO plant capable of producing 100 tonnes of water daily will be established, along with two tanks with a capacity of producing 700 tonnes of water per day. The project is set to be completed within 700 days.
Development of a Commercial Harbour in Kudahuvadhoo
An agreement was also signed with the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) to develop a commercial harbour in Kudahuvadhoo. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed and MPL’s Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Rishwan.
The President said the establishment of a commercial port in Kudahuvadhoo has been discussed for years but no government has brought the vision to fruition. Kudahuvadhoo’s location makes such a project of significant importance, the President noted, adding that with the signing of the project agreement, the commercial harbour will be established before the end of the current presidential term.
President’s Address to the People
In his address to the residents of Kudahuvadhoo, the President highlighted the challenges his administration inherited, including an inadequate to fulfil pledges made to the people. He noted that his administration first had to address domestic and external debts before focusing on development, in order to improve the country’s dire economic situation. The economic situation has now improved, allowing him to work on fulfilling pledges made to the people, he stated.
The President also highlighted that seven urban centres will be developed across Maldives, Kudahuvadhoo included. He welcomed those who wished to migrate to Kudahuvadhoo with the island’s economic prosperity and social wellness. He stated that Kudahuvadhoo has made exemplary progress in consolidating populations, and stated that the government would support such efforts.
Emphasising the need for housing, the President said the biggest challenge faced across the country is housing. He noted that the reclaimed land in Kudahuvadhoo had not seen any progress in eleven years, and announced plans to develop the area. He stated that his government would establish all utility services and develop roads.
The President also stated that 500 housing units will be developed in Kudahuvadhoo, including on private lands where the owners wish to build homes.
Speaking on banking services, the President announced that a US Dollar ATM will be established in Kudahuvadhoo during the current year.