President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has underscored the critical importance of land reclamation and a suite of other development initiatives for the progress of Gadhifushi, Thaa Atoll, after the crucial land reclamation project was officially handed over to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).
The President made these remarks during a community meeting with the island's residents during his visit to the island on Friday as part of his ongoing tour of four atolls, where he detailed the government's commitment to addressing the community's needs.
The primary objective of the land reclamation, President Dr Muizzu explained, is to facilitate much-needed housing and foster economic opportunities within the island.
This reclamation work will be integrated with other ongoing dredging projects across various islands in the atoll, he added. Following the completion of reclamation, the local island council will develop a land use plan in close consultation with the residents, ensuring that the newly gained land serves the community's best interests.
MTCC CEO Ahmed Saudee confirmed that preparations for the project, including obtaining necessary permits, will be finalised in 65 days, with the dredging operations slated for completion within 580 days.
Further bolstering the island's infrastructure, the President assured that harbour development would proceed in line with community expectations, including necessary modifications to the harbour channel. The harbour project officially got off the ground during the presidential visit and is projected to conclude in 540 days.
The President also pledged to expedite the construction of the Health Centre Extension building and the Fitness and Recreation Centre. Additionally, a new island council secretariat building, funded by the Chinese government, is set to commence construction, while the football ground turf will undergo renovation and further development, including fencing.
Addressing environmental concerns, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the need to resolve the island's waste management issues with assistance from the Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO), and guaranteed that the electricity challenges plaguing the island would be rectified before the next holy month of Ramadan.
The President reiterated his commitment to actively listening to the concerns of the people and delivering the solutions they desire for their respective islands.
Gaadhiffushi Health Centre Expansion Gets off the Ground
The President during his visit witnessed a new era of enhanced healthcare services get off the ground in Gaadhiffushi as he witnessed the groundbreaking on the new extension building to island Health Centre.
The groundbreaking ceremony saw the participation of several state ministers, including the Minister of Health, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, and WAMCO Managing Director Mujthaba Jaleel, who jointly participated in laying the foundation stone.
Awarded to WAMCO , the construction contract signifies the government's commitment to upgrading provincial health centres to modern standards and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all citizens, addressing existing infrastructure challenges within the island nation's health system.
Key Harbour Development Project Gets Underway
The significant harbour development project also got underway as the President witnessed the Minister of Finance and Planning, Moosa Zameer, formally launch the endeavor.
MTCC has been tasked with the project, once completed will boost much-needed access and connectivity for Gaadhiffushi.
Gaadhiffushi Completes ATM service Network in Thaa Atoll
Bank of Maldives (BML) inaugurated its self-service banking ATM services in Gaadhiffushi during the President’s visit, completing its network in all inhabited islands of Thaa Atoll.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by President Dr Muizzu, Ministers, BML Chairperson Ahmed Ali Habeeb, BML CEO and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef and senior officials of the Bank.
BML’s CEO and Managing Director, Mohamed Shareef, noted the introduction of ATM services in all inhabited islands of 15 atolls under the “Mulhi Raajje ah BML ATM” initiative.
“ATMs have played a crucial role in bringing customers into the formal banking system and as we expand our physical network, we remain committed to enhancing our digital banking services,” he said.
This strategic expansion reinforces the Bank’s position as the Maldives' leading financial institution, with an extensive network comprising 42 branches across all 20 atolls, 179 Self Service Banking Centres, 237 ATMs, and advanced Digital Banking solutions.
President Dr Muizzu is into the sixth day of his extensive eight-day official visit across four atolls, engaging directly with local communities to discuss development needs and pressing issues.
This comprehensive tour is set to cover 31 islands across Vaavu, Meemu, Faafu, and Thaa Atolls, forming part of a broader series of visits to provinces across the country.