President Devises Resumption of Stalled Atoll Projects, Assures State Protection Amid Contract Cancellations

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday announced decisive action on stalled development projects across the Atolls, confirming that contracts for uncompleted works are being canceled and reallocated to new companies without incurring any financial loss to the State.

He made these remarks during a warm reception in Feevah, Shaviyani Atoll, as part of his ongoing tour of Atoll where he outlined an accelerated development agenda for the island.

Speaking to the residents, President Dr Muizzu emphasised that the government is meticulously implementing these changes within existing legal frameworks.

"The agreements of the stalled projects are canceled and handed over to other companies without any financial loss to the state," he stated, adding that these projects are being carried out without added financial burden. This policy, he explained, ensures that development momentum is regained without a burden on public finances.

The President's visit to Feevah, an island of 600 residents covering 80 hectares, was met with a warm welcome. He engaged directly with residents, detailing forthcoming development initiatives and explaining the strategy to resume previously stalled projects.

Feevah has historically faced unique challenges, with much of land mass being swamp land, making it difficult for people to settle even after land allocation.

Addressing these issues, President Dr Muizzu assured residents that his administration would resolve the difficulties in developing the newly allocated 136 land plots. He confirmed that Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) would undertake the necessary ground laying to prepare these areas for settlement.

"It is my responsibility to accelerate the pace of development in this island and fulfill the promises made to the people," the President affirmed, pledging further projects including development of an area for beachgoers and critical expansion for the local school to address space constraints. He assured that the school project would be completed at a rapid pace.

A significant focus of his address was the enhancement of health services. President Dr Muizzu committed to upgrading Feevah's health center to a 24-hour service facility, promising increased staffing to be included in next year's budget.

He also issued an ultimatum regarding a stalled health center expansion project.

"If the company awarded the contract does not complete the work within two weeks, the contract will be canceled and handed over to another," he warned, signaling his administration's firm stance on project delivery.

The President had also announced plans to resume the construction of vital waste management centres across 20 islands in the northern region, including the Feevah.

President Dr Muizzu highlighted that the waste management centres funded through foreign aid, and their construction had faltered despite the relevant ministry’s best efforts to navigate a way forward.

"We will now make alternative arrangements to ensure these works proceed without further delay," the President stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

The President demonstrated a strong commitment to community development in Feevah, following a productive meeting with the island council in February 2024.

His visit on Tuesday marked a significant step forward as he witnessed the groundbreaking on Fitness and Recreation Center, a project directly requested by the council to enhance sports facilities for the island’s youth. Additionally, construction has commenced on a new school building, addressing another key demand from the Feevah council. Capping off the day's developments, the President also witnessed the inauguration of the construction of a new police station in the island, signaling a comprehensive approach to improving public services and infrastructure in the northern Atoll.

The President’s itinerary of the ongoing four-day tour of Shaviyani Atoll includes visits to fourteen islands - Kan'ditheemu, Noomaraa, Goidhoo, Feevah, Bileiyfahi, Foakaidhoo, Milandhoo, Narudhoo, Maroshi, Lhaimagu, Funadhoo, Komandoo, and Maalhendhoo.

This visit is part of the President’s nationwide initiative to travel across all Maldivian atolls, engaging with atoll, island, and city councils directly.