President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the land reclamation work for the development of Maafaru Falhu of Alifu Dhaalu Atoll as an urban centre will be completed within ten months and handed over to Mahibadhoo Council.
The President made the remark while addressing the residents of Mahibadhoo as part of his ongoing tour of Alifu Dhaalu Atoll.
Earlier in the day, President Muizzu met with members of the ADh. Mahibadhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee, and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities.
During the meeting, council members outlined the most pressing needs of the island’s residents. They highlighted challenges related to waste management and requested a more convenient and accessible system for mooring boats at the harbour. The members also sought updates on the progress of the hospital construction project. In addition, they urged the expedited development of housing units and the island’s land reclamation project. The council also expressed appreciation to the President for initiating the Maafaru Falhu reclamation project, which falls under the jurisdiction of Mahibadhoo.
President Dr Muizzu assured participants that the government would give due consideration to their concerns.
Speaking at a community meeting later the same day, the President recalled pledges he had made for Mahibadhoo during his presidential campaign, and reaffirmed that work was underway to fulfil them. He specifically highlighted his commitment to develop Maafaru Falhu as an urban centre, and confirmed that practical work on the project had already commenced. He assured the residents that the project would continue without interruption.
"I can assure you that this work will continue without disruption. Today, we have commenced the installation of the bandwall necessary for the land reclamation. The work will be completed within two months. Sand filling and dredging work will then be handed over to contractors, and the reclamation of 67 hectares of land will be completed within ten months from today,” the President said.
President Muizzu added that the government would give high priority to the project, describing it as a highly beneficial project. He said it would be an important hub for sustainable development in Mahibadhoo as well as the entire atoll.
The President also announced that the construction of 150 housing units in Mahibadhoo would be included in next year's budget, with construction set to begin early next year.
As part of the President’s visit to Mahibadhoo, dialysis service was inaugurated at the Atoll Hospital on the island. Speaking regarding the introduction of the service, the President described it as a major step forward to enhance the island’s health sector. The President also announced that the development of a 50-bed hospital in Mahibadhoo will start early next year to further expand health services.
"The funds have already been arranged. This will be a significant improvement for both the island and the atoll,” the President said.
During the visit, the second phase of the island’s road construction project was launched under a contract awarded to the Road Development Corporation (RDC). President Muizzu said the project would proceed rapidly, with attention given to environmental concerns and solutions. He also noted that the launch of Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO)’s services on the island, following an agreement with Mahibadhoo Council, would ease local waste management challenges.
Additionally, passport issuance services were launched in Mahibadhoo to coincide with the President’s visit. With this launch, President Muizzu has successfully fulfilled his pledge to provide ID card and passport issuance services in every atoll across the Maldives by the end of the year, achieving the goal three months ahead of schedule.