President Dr Mohamed Muizzu assured the residents of Maaenboodhoo, Dhaalu Atoll, that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed land reclamation project would be completed within two to three weeks, with physical reclamation work to follow immediately.
President Muizzu made this announcement during an address to the Maaenboodhoo community, as part of his ongoing tour of the inhabited islands of Dhaalu Atoll, which began on Sunday.
EIA Completion to Precede Swift Reclamation Efforts in Maaenboodhoo
President Dr Muizzu underscored his administration's dedication to fulfilling its commitments to the islands, particularly the land reclamation project of Maaenboodhoo. Once the EIA is finalised, the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) will swiftly commence physical reclamation work, he confirmed.
The project is set to advance rapidly, according to the president, adding 30 hectares of land to Maaenboodhoo. Additionally, in response to residents' preferences, a separate island of two hectares will be reclaimed apart from the main reclamation site, he added.
"My intention is to provide assurance that the longstanding land constraint in Maaenboodhoo will be resolved. The primary priority for the residential community is addressing this land constraint issue,” stated President Muizzu. The EIA would be completed within two to three weeks, after which reclamation work would commence, he reiterated.
President Confirms Continuation of Key Infrastructure Projects
President Dr Muizzu also highlighted the necessity for development in other areas, including the resumption of the previously suspended water supply and sewerage network project. He assured residents that these projects would continue.
The president noted that the development of the multipurpose hall at Maaenboodhoo School would be completed in May. Other stalled projects would commence later this month and in March, he said, aligning with his pledge to resume all suspended projects across the islands within two months. Government-owned companies are collaborating effectively to achieve this, he added.
During his address, President Dr Muizzu also discussed other pledges made during the presidential campaign, including the development of sporting facilities. Projects to resolve space constraints at the healthcare centre and to provide necessary resources would continue, he asserted. The development of a football ground, volleyball court, outdoor gymnasium, and children’s park is also underway, he added.
President Dr Muizzu also highlighted his administration's implementation of different developmental policies compared to previous governments. Within the next two years, he said, the administration would develop fitness and recreation centres, outdoor gymnasiums, and children's parks on all inhabited islands.
Additionally, the president announced plans to expand the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry service to Dhaalu Atoll in the near future. He also noted efforts to address challenges related to the electricity service in Maaenboodhoo.
New Health Centre Extension to Alleviate Space Constraints
During his visit, President Dr Muizzu inaugurated the new extension building of the Maaenboodhoo Health Centre. The extension aims to address space constraints and introduces five new healthcare services previously unavailable on the island, including a smoking cessation clinic, a non-communicable diseases clinic, a maternity clinic, and a paediatric clinic.
The extension project, launched in 2023, was estimated by the Ministry of Health to cost USD 304,935.24.
BML Expands Services with New ATM in Maaenboodhoo
President Dr Muizzu also inaugurated a new Automated Teller Machine (ATM) established by the Bank of Maldives (BML) during his visit. This self-service ATM is part of the president’s electoral pledge to expand ATM services to all inhabited islands.
Mohamed Shareef, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BML, addressed the ceremony and assured that staff from the BML branch in Kudahuvadhoo would visit Maaenboodhoo to provide any assistance required by the community.