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Across Four Atolls, President Muizzu Reaffirms Commitment to Community-Led Governance

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu returned to Malé on Friday following a multi-day tour of inhabited islands across Vaavu, Meemu, Faafu, and Thaa Atolls, underscoring his administration’s commitment to community-led development and direct engagement with island constituencies.

The visit featured consultations with island councils, women’s development committees (WDCs), institutional leaders, and residents. Joined by cabinet ministers and senior officials from key government agencies, the president facilitated discussions on local priorities and public welfare concerns. Officials also provided updates on ongoing projects and invited input on future initiatives, reinforcing the administration’s emphasis on participatory governance.

Several infrastructure programmes were formally launched during the tour. Among them were the introduction of Raajje Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry operations, airport development schemes designed to strengthen the national transport network, and the rollout of Bank of Maldives ATM services, now operational on every inhabited island within the four atolls.

These efforts align with the government’s population consolidation policy, under which new housing developments, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and sports infrastructure were unveiled. Measures to support the fisheries and agriculture sectors were also announced.

The president outlined plans to reinforce the national healthcare system within six months, signalling a strategic shift in service delivery. Reforms in the banking sector were concurrently introduced to stimulate economic growth and expand financial access across the country.

Development efforts were distributed across the four atolls with measurable outcomes. In Thaa Atoll, where the president visited 13 islands, 29 projects were initiated, 12 completed, and agreements for 20 new projects signed. Faafu Atoll saw the launch of 13 projects, the completion of six, and the signing of 10 new agreements. In Meemu Atoll, 13 projects were initiated, two completed, and six contracts signed. Vaavu Atoll recorded five projects launched, four completed, and four new agreements formalised.

Security infrastructure also advanced during the tour. In Thaa Atoll, the expansion of police services reached completion with the inauguration of a Police Desk on the island of Omadhoo, marking full coverage of the atoll. This milestone forms part of President Muizzu’s national vision to establish police services on every inhabited island in the Maldives by year-end. The administration maintains that a nationwide police presence will significantly bolster efforts to build a safe and peaceful society. To support this goal, the government is constructing police buildings on islands previously lacking such facilities.

Financial inclusion was another key deliverable. Officials confirmed that ATM services have been successfully established and completed on all islands across the four atolls, ensuring broader access to banking for residents.

President Muizzu described the primary objective of his visits as direct engagement with citizens to identify their needs, a goal he said was “well-achieved” during the tour. The administration concluded the visit by reiterating its commitment to grassroots consultation, affirming that sustained dialogue with local communities remains central to its governance approach.