President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured that construction of the brand-new premises of Maalhos Health Centre will commence this year after kick-starting several key projects in the island.
Addressing residents of Malhos, Alifu Alifu Atoll during his visit on Tuesday as part of his ongoing tour of the Atoll, the President highlighted that the island’s health centre was housed in an old and deteriorating building. He confirmed that a contractor would be appointed for the project to build new premises, which would also support fully functional laboratory services once completed.
At the ceremony, an agreement was also signed to develop the island’s roads – a key infrastructure project. The President noted that this initiative was designed to enhance local infrastructure and tourism, in line with the aspirations of the people of Maalhos.
He further pledged to create dedicated beaches for residents and tourists, which would benefit both the local community and the island’s tourism sector. This would be complemented by a shore protection project, with funding to be allocated in next year’s budget.
Referring to the designation of Ranfaru Lagoon as part of the island’s jurisdiction, the President emphasised that its economic opportunities were now open to the residents of Maalhos. He assured that the Government would support any developmental initiatives and proposals submitted by the community.
President Inaugurates Water and Sewerage Network in Maalhos
The President, during his visit formally inaugurated the island’s new water and sewerage projects.
The water and sewerage project in Maalhos is part of the Exim Bank of India line of credit for the installation of water and sewerage systems in 34 islands, awarded by the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure to Kalpathar Projects International Ltd.
The project included the construction of a bore hole, installation of rainwater and water storage tanks, installation of RO plant and installation of solar panels including a laboratory along with the construction of an administration building.
In addition, the USD 3.2 million project included the installation and water and sewerage pipes throughout the island along with the connection of water meters to households and other buildings and establishment of sewerage pump stations. Catchpits have also been installed in households and other buildings to connect them to the sewerage system.
Ground Breaking of New Police Station
President Dr Muizzu’s visit also saw the groundbreaking on the new Police Station in Maalhos amid renewed efforts to strengthen law enforcement infrastructure across the Maldives.
The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan broke ground on the new police station building alongside the Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen, Road Development Corporation Managing Director Ibrahim Naseem and the Maalhos Island Council President.
The project, undertaken by RDC, aligns with the administration’s policy to establish police stations on all inhabited islands within two years. Work has already begun on similar facilities nationwide, reflecting a concerted effort to enhance law enforcement services across the country.
New Road Project for Maalhos
As part of the comprehensive development agenda aimed at resolving longstanding infrastructure and public service challenges, the President’s visit saw the signing of the contract to develop the roads in Maalhos.
During a ceremony held in Maalhos the President witnessed the signing of the agreement by the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib and Road Development Corporation Limited (RDC) Managing Director Ibrahim Nazeem.
RDC has been the contractor to develop the major roads in Maalhos worth USD 3.5 million to be completed within 730 days.
ATM in Maalhos Completes Atoll-wide Coverage
The inauguration of ATM services in Maalhos to coincide with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s visit completed service coverage in all inhabited islands of Alifu Alifu Atoll.
This initiative is part of President Dr Muizzu’s broader strategy, launched in November 2024, to establish ATMs on all inhabited islands. The initiative is aimed at strengthening financial empowerment among the populace. The administration has set a target to introduce ATM services on all inhabited islands by the end of 2025.
The inaugurated ATM services in Maalhos as part of the Bank of Maldives (BML) "Mulhi Raajje ah BML ATM" programme, marked the milestone of ATM coverage in every inhabited island in the atoll.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by President Dr Muizzu, Ministers, BML Chairperson Ahmed Ali Habeeb, BML CEO and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef, Board Directors and senior officials of the Bank.
Speaking during the ceremony, Shareef celebrated the introduction of ATM services in all inhabited islands of eight atolls under the “Mulhi Raajje ah BML ATM” initiative.
“Our commitment to enhancing financial inclusion and accessibility for all communities in the region remains unwavering and we look forward to completing the project this year,” he said.
BML is the country’s leading financial institution, with an extensive network comprising 41 branches across all 20 atolls, 144 Self Service Banking Centres, 200 ATMs, comprehensive Agent Banking Services, and advanced Digital Banking solutions.
President Discusses Development Priorities with Community Leaders
President Dr Muizzu during his visit met with the Maalhos Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions today to discuss the island’s most pressing development priorities.
During the discussions, Council members appealed for the resumption of stalled projects, including the development of the school and football grounds, and raised concerns about the condition of the health centre premises. They also highlighted challenges facing the growth of local tourism and outlined potential measures the Government could take to support the sector. In addition, the Council expressed gratitude to the President for designating Ranfaru lagoon as part of the island.
President Dr Muizzu assured the Council that the Government would work towards practical solutions to the issues raised. He also provided updates on ongoing development projects, accompanied by Cabinet Ministers and senior officials from State-Owned Enterprises.