President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the administration will work with the contractor to resume the stalled water network project and harbour project in Omadhoo, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, ensuring closer oversight of its progress.
He made the remarks while addressing residents of the island, as part of his ongoing tour of the atoll.
During his speech, the President said his foremost responsibility is to fulfil the pledges made to the people at the earliest and turn them into reality. Referring to various projects initiated on the island as part of his visit, the President said the administration would prioritise their completion.
Earlier in the day, the President met with members of Omadhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee, and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities.
At the meeting, council members highlighted the most pressing development needs of the island, including the need to expedite the stalled water network project of the island as well as implement a sustainable solution to coastal erosion. They also requested the installation of a US Dollar ATM in addition to the existing MVR ATM, as well as the acceleration of the harbour and channel projects. Council members expressed gratitude to the President for the solutions provided for the issues they had raised previously.
In his response, President Dr Muizzu assured the council that the government would give due consideration to their concerns.
Later, at the community meeting, agreements were signed for the construction of a multi-purpose hall for Omadhoo School. The President also witnessed the commencement of several other development projects, including a volleyball court, police station, health centre, council secretariat, and a fitness and recreation centre.
The fitness and recreation centre has been contracted to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), while the council secretariat construction has been awarded to Rasheed Carpentry and Construction, RCC. The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) will undertake the volleyball court, police building, and health centre projects.
President Muizzu stated that the school project, contracted to Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC), will add a multi-purpose hall and four new classrooms to Omadhoo school, bringing significant improvement to the school environment for both teachers and students.
“Each of these projects will bring substantial improvement to the people of the island. The projects commenced today are meaningful and important projects for the community,” he said.
Highlighting the water network project as Omadhoo’s most urgent need, the President said a large percentage of the project has already been completed. He confirmed that all payments due to the contractor have been cleared, and the government would now press for the project’s speedy completion. He added that similar efforts would be undertaken to ensure the swift completion of the island’s harbour project.
“We will urge the contractor to complete the remaining works under the water network project swiftly, under close government supervision. Additionally, the government will also urge the swift completion of the island’s harbour project. The completed project will be in line with the people’s expectations,” he said.
The President added that the harbour project would include a shore protection component to address the island’s erosion issues, which will begin soon.
The President also announced that a US Dollar ATM will be installed on the island next year to further support tourism-related businesses. Omadhoo became the first island to receive ATM services in November 2024, as part of the government’s nationwide ATM rollout initiative.
President Muizzu further pledged additional sports-related projects targeting the island’s youth will be implemented this year and next year.
He also assured government support for community-led projects on the lagoons newly designated as part of Omadhoo. Following the government’s decision to designate Kudadhoo Falhu and two lagoons - RF1329 and RF1330 - as part of Omadhoo, the President formally handed them over to the Island council during the community meeting. The President reaffirmed the government’s backing for community-driven economic and tourism initiatives in these lagoons.