President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured that resuming stalled projects in Feeali, Faafu Atoll, will be a key government priority next year. The President made the pledge during a meeting with the residents of Feeali during a visit to the island as part of his ongoing tour of four atolls.
At the meeting, island residents voiced concerns regarding unfinished projects, including land reclamation, the water and sewerage system as well as healthcare services. The Feeali Council President also requested that the government operate the island’s ice plant with council involvement.
“The island’s water and sewerage issue is very concerning, and we need a swift solution. We also wish for the ice plant to be managed in a way that allows council involvement. The school also faces space constraints, and lacks modern resources,” some residents said.
Other proposals from the community include establishing a Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) near the island, improving healthcare services, and ensuring access to thalassaeemia-related treatment.
President Muizzu assured residents that stalled projects will be restarted, with Feeali to be given priority. He said he would instruct relevant government agencies and companies to expedite the work.
The President also announced plans to expand the island’s land space by 15 hectares. While acknowledging past challenges in securing construction materials such as aggregate, he said the issue had now been resolved and work would resume. He added that newly signed projects will also progress during the current term.
Harbour and Mosque Construction Handed Over
As part of the President’s visit to Feeali, an agreement was signed between the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure and the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to construct the island’s harbour. The agreement was signed by the Construction Minister, Dr Abdulla Muththalib, while MTCC was represented by its Managing Director, Ahmed Saudi.
The project involves dredging a 34,674 cubic metre area and constructing a 301-metre quay wall, 19 metres of revetments, 40 metres of groyne, 374 metres of breakwater, and a 20-metre jetty, along with navigation lights. Valued at USD 3.9 million, the project must be completed within 550 days.
Meanwhile, the mosque project was awarded to Afaafee Maldives Pvt Ltd, with the project agreement signed by Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed on behalf of the government, and by Managing Director, Ameen Mohamed on behalf of the company. The mosque will accommodate 500 worshippers, and will feature solar power, air conditioning, a library and a classroom.
Launch of ATM services
During the visit, President Muizzu also officially inaugurated the Bank of Maldives (BML) ATM service in Feeali. Following the launch, the President handed over a souvenir bank card to the island council, marking the commencement of operations. The new facility will provide essential 24-hour cash withdrawal and deposit services, as well as convenient bill payment and transfer options for both individuals and businesses within the community. This installation is part of a broader initiative, under which BML ATMs have now been successfully installed in all inhabited islands across 12 atolls.
Construction of Feeali Police Station
The groundbreaking for a new police station to be developed in Feeali was laid by the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan. The project will be implemented by Fenaka Corporation Limited, as part of the government’s pledge to establish a police presence on all inhabited islands across the Maldives before the end of the year.
Presidential Tour
Feeali marks the sixth stop of President Muizzu’s tour of four atolls. Over the course of the eight-day tour, the President will visit all inhabited islands across the four atolls, covering a total of 31 islands. The visit forms part of his broader commitment to tour all Maldivian atolls and engage directly with councils at the island, atoll, and city levels.