President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has emphasised that he has no intention of controlling the media, stating that he never has and nor does he plan to do so. He, however, urged everyone to exercise responsibility in their actions.
He made these remarks at a meeting with residents of Nolhivaranfaru, held during his ongoing tour of the inhabited islands of Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
The President affirmed that the government remains steadfast in advancing the aspirations of the public, emphasising that its primary responsibility is to ensure the realisation of those aspirations. He stressed that all citizens bear a corresponding responsibility to facilitate the smooth progression of national initiatives. While the government undertakes project implementation, he noted that others – be they political parties, organisations, or the media – must act concurrently.
A bill titled Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation has recently been submitted to the Parliament by independent member, Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru. The bill proposes strict penalties for journalists and media outlets that breach the code of conduct set by the Maldives Media Commission, including substantial fines and the revocation of registrations.
Addressing the bill, the President clarified that he has no intention of influencing the legislative process and has communicated this position to members of Parliament representing the ruling party. He further observed that, although the current draft of the bill stipulates that the proposed commission would be governed by an individual appointed by the President, he has pledged to refrain from exercising such authority. He confirmed that he has instructed ruling party members to introduce amendments so that the proposed commission’s President will instead be selected by vote among its seven members.
The President asserted that the media must remain free from external influence and reaffirmed the necessity of its independent operation. He further stated that he has no desire to exert any control over media regulation, emphasising that the media should function in a manner that is fully independent, transparent, and accountable.
National Pledges:
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has been conducting a series of visits to islands across the Maldives to directly engage with island residents. As part of the visits, the President meets with the island councils, Women’s Development Committees, and heads of local institutions, followed by meetings with the public. He has described this as the most effective way to identify projects that need to be carried out and how to implement them.
Over the past year and a half, the President has met with almost all island councils, several on more than one occasion. In his speech in Nolhivaranfaru, the President said he aims to visit all inhabited islands he has not visited so far, over the next two months. The President said he engages with the community to identify its needs and develop long-term solutions, ensuing that island development reflect the peoples’ aspirations.
The President said these consultations have already enabled practical work to begin on a large proportion of planned projects, with the remaining scheduled to kick off next year. He confirmed that the budget has been planned accordingly.
Meeting with Community Leaders:
Earlier in the day, President Muizzu met with the Nolhivaranfaru Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities.
During the discussions, Council members requested that shore protection works be incorporated into the harbour expansion project and urged the expedition of road development. They further highlighted the challenges faced by farmers in accessing electricity and called for the development of a high-quality volleyball court on the island. The Council also proposed that the sandbank within the island’s lagoon be developed as a picnic island.
In addition, heads of institutions participating in the meeting underscored the need for a sea ambulance to be stationed on the island.
During the meeting, the President assured the Council that the government would give due consideration to their concerns and work towards practical solutions. He also provided updates on ongoing development projects.
Development Agreements Signed:
As part of the President’s visit to Nolhivaranfaru, a series of agreements were signed towards the island’s development. These include the Health Centre Extension Project, the Multipurpose Hall and School Infrastructure Development Project, the Harbour Expansion Project, the Football Stadium Establishment Project, and the Sports Complex Development Project. In addition, land previously allocated for tourism development in Nolhivaranfaru was formally removed from the registry of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and returned to the Island Council.
The President said the projects signed would mark a new chapter in Nolhivaranfaru’s development, and said it will significantly raise the standard of development for the people of the island. He said each of these projects will be given high priority and will be carried out swiftly. He assured the community that all initiatives would be closely monitored to ensure their swift and efficient completion, while also pledging to maintain essential services during the transitional phase until the projects are finalised.
Noting that the island has a population of over 2,000, the President said the island will be developed in a sustainable manner. He reiterated his assurance that the government’s efforts towards national development would be swift and centred around the needs of the citizens.
Sector-Specific Commitments
Health: A health centre expansion agreement was signed between the Ministry of Health and the Road Development Corporation (RDC) as part of the President’s visit. The agreement was signed on behalf of the government by the Minister of Health, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, while RDC was represented by its Managing Director, Ibrahim Nazeem.
The project was awarded to RDC for USD 744,421, to be completed within 365 days. The project includes the establishment of a nurses station, ward, laboratory, procedure room, private room, garage as well as a store room.
Approximately 15 to 20 patients seek services at the Nolhivaranfaru health centre daily. With the availability of laboratory services, the number of patients is expected to increase, as it will eliminate the need to travel to other islands for laboratory services.
The President said even while the health centre expansion development is ongoing, the services available at the existing health centre will continue to be improved, including additional specialist doctors and staff capacity.
Education: An agreement for the Nolhivaranfaru school expansion project was also signed between the Ministry of Education and the Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC). The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry by its State Minister, Hussain Saeed Mohamed, while FDC was represented by its Deputy Managing Director, Ibrahim Razzan.
The President said as per the agreement signed, a fully equipped school will be established on the island. He said the project will be implemented true to his pledge, with the school being built on the land allocated by the island Council. This project includes the establishment of a multipurpose hall, a science laboratory, and other facilities. The project is expected to commence this year, and be operational by 2027, he said.
Housing: As part of the President’s visit, 100 housing units developed on the island in 2022 were officially handed over to the island Council by the President.
The President acknowledged that the housing units handed over were not adequate to address the island’s housing needs. Therefore, the President announced a new housing project for the island, with 250 housing units to be built. These include 100 units to be developed on citizens’ plots, with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to commence the work next month. HDC will be constructing three-bedroom apartments on these 100 plots.
Infrastructure: An agreement was signed the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure and Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to expand the island’s existing harbour. The Ministry was represented by Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib, while MTCC was represented by its Managing Director, Ahmed Saudi.
The project includes dredging of 64,992.47 cubic metres of harbour, construction of 189 metres of breakwater, and installation of 161 meters of revetment. A 65-metre groyne, pavement and installation of harbour lights will also be carried out under the project. The project has been awarded to MTCC for a value of USD 2.89 million for completion in 380 days.
Given the island’s reliance on agriculture, residents view the harbour expansion as critical to improving opportunities for the island. With the completion of this project, the island will have a spacious harbour for boats, speedboats and dinghies.
Sports: On sports development, the President said a FIFA-standard stadium, and a modern sports complex will be developed on the island under the sports agreement signed during the visit. He described these facilities as gateways to greater success in the field of sports. The President further stated that he is prepared to begin establishing certain sports facilities immediately, and confirmed that work on a new volleyball court would commence soon.
Waste management: Underscoring the importance of sustainable approaches to development, the President further assured that, within a maximum of five months, the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) would commence waste management operations on the island.
Tourism: The President said 14 hectares of land previously left idle have now been returned to the Council for development. He urged the Council to attract investors to develop the land at the earliest, and expressed hope that the revenue generated from the land would benefit the community.
Erosion control: The President said he would include additional projects in next year’s budget, including effectively addressing the island’s erosion problem.
Council Building: The practical work of the Nolhivaranfaru Council building was also launched as part of the President’s visit. The work was launched by the Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar. The contractor, Rasheed Carpentry and Construction (RCC)’s officials participated alongside him. The construction of the new council office building is part of the government's wider plan to build more than 100 new island council buildings within the current term.
RCC has been contracted to complete 55 councils across the atolls under the contractor finance model. The USD 40.9 million project includes the construction of the boundary walls of the buildings, and procurement of furniture.
BML Branch Opening
As part of the President’s visit, the Bank of Maldives (BML) inaugurated its new branch in Nolhivaranfaru at a ceremony held on the island, further strengthening its commitment to enhance financial inclusion through accessible banking services across the Maldives. In addition to providing in-person banking services, the new branch also houses a new Self-Service Banking Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Centre.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Ministers, as well as the Bank’s Chairperson Ahmed Ali Habeeb, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef and senior officials of the bank. President Muizzu inaugurated the ATM service during the visit. The initiative is part of a government pledge to provide ATM services to all inhabited islands, with BML establishing machines in 100 islands this year. To mark the occasion, President Muizzu conducted a symbolic withdrawal from the ATM, and a commemorative bank card was presented to the Nolhivaran Council.
According to CEO Shareef, the new branch in Nolhivaranfaru will offer Islamic finance first policy for both individual and business customers.
The new self-service ATM offers 24-hour access for individuals and businesses, enabling cash withdrawals, deposits, bill payments, and fund transfers, as well as credit card and loan servicing.
The joint initiative between the government and BML has already extended ATM services to all inhabited islands in eight atolls: Haa Alifu, Shaviyani, Dhaalu, Noonu, Meemu, Alifu Alifu, Baa and Kaafu. With the inclusion of Nolhivaran, the BML network now comprises more than 250 ATMs nationwide. The bank has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering convenient banking services in close proximity to communities, in alignment with national development priorities.
Continuation of Haa Dhaalu Tour
Arriving in Nolhivaranfaru on Monday evening, President Muizzu was greeted by a large number of residents, alongside members of the island council and senior officials from local institutions. The visit marked the seventh stop in a comprehensive itinerary that includes all thirteen inhabited islands within Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
The President’s delegation comprises several cabinet ministers and high-ranking representatives from government agencies. The tour is part of a broader engagement strategy aimed at assessing local development priorities and advancing key infrastructure and service delivery projects across the region.