In Gan, President Muizzu Unveils Housing Push, Welfare Expansion, Tourism Growth and Police Rollout

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday announced a series of sweeping policy measures, including the transfer of government construction projects to private firms, a tripling of the single parent allowance, new financial support for children with thalassaemia, and the nationwide establishment of police services ahead of schedule.

State projects to shift to private hands within days

Addressing residents of Gan in Laamu Atoll, President Muizzu declared that a broad range of government projects would be handed to private construction companies within the next ten days. The initiative, he said, would be carried out strictly within the framework of existing laws and regulations.

"To the small and medium-sized companies in the Maldives, and also to some large companies, we will hand over various government projects within the next 10 days or so," the president said, underscoring the inclusive scope of the policy.

The administration argues that the transfer will stimulate economic growth by directing funds to multiple companies, thereby fostering financial prosperity for families and contributing to the expansion of the economy.

Single parent allowance to triple in January

In the same address, President Muizzu turned to social welfare, announcing a major increase in financial support for single parents. Beginning in January, the ‘Single Mother’s Allowance’ will rise to USD 194.55 per child, tripling the current rate.

"The Single Mother‘s Allowance is being significantly increased above the current rate. I had previously committed to raising the Single Mother‘s Allowance to MVR 3,000 [USD 194.55] for every child. The resources required to fulfil this commitment have been incorporated into the forthcoming annual budget. Effective starting from next January, the allowance will be augmented to MVR 3,000 for each child," the president said.

Currently, single parents, both mothers and fathers, receive USD 64.85 per child, with a cap of USD 648.51 per family per month. The new policy represents a substantial restructuring of social support.

New allowance and expanded care for Thalassaemia patients

The president also pledged systemic reforms to healthcare for children suffering from thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder prevalent in the country. Beginning next year, a new Thalassaemia Allowance of USD 64.85 per child will be introduced, supported by a budgetary allocation of USD 758,766.23.

According to official figures, 982 children are currently registered as thalassaemia patients nationwide. Services previously concentrated in Malé have been relocated to the Orange Hiya facility in Hulhumalé, while arrangements for state-funded bone marrow transplants have been strengthened. Several critical diagnostic tests, once unavailable domestically, can now be conducted within the Maldives.

Preventive measures form a central pillar of the initiative. The government has mandated screening for all students completing their schooling, with Grade 10 students already undergoing testing. Legislative amendments are also being prepared to reinforce disease control efforts.

The administration maintains that these combined reforms, spanning treatment, awareness, prevention, and legal frameworks, will fundamentally reshape thalassaemia care and reduce the number of affected children in the country.

Police services established nationwide ahead of schedule

President Muizzu concluded his address with a declaration that police services have now been established across all inhabited islands, completing a core electoral pledge two months ahead of schedule. The milestone was marked on Tuesday at 5:15 p.m., when the final deployment was completed in Rasgetheemu, Raa Atoll.

When the administration assumed office, 66 islands lacked any police presence, requiring officers to be dispatched from neighbouring islands in emergencies. At that time, only 17 islands had dedicated police buildings, with services elsewhere operating from council facilities or rented premises.

To address these deficiencies, the government has committed to constructing proprietary police centres across the country. Currently, active construction is underway in 63 islands, with preparations in progress for an additional 36. Contracts for police centres in a further 39 islands are scheduled to be awarded this month, bringing the total number of islands with ongoing or imminent development to 138.

The president reaffirmed that by the end of his term, every inhabited island will be equipped with a dedicated police facility, ensuring consistent and reliable service delivery nationwide.

President accelerates rollout of RTL across remaining atolls

President Muizzu, addressing residents of Gan, announced an accelerated timeline for the completion of the national ferry network, pledging that the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) will begin operating in all remaining atolls within the next five months.

The initiative is intended to realise the government’s plan to connect the islands of the Maldives through a unified transport system. First launched in 2022 and entrusted to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), the project divides the country into six transport zones.

Since its inception, the RTL has been introduced in 12 atolls, with Thaa Atoll the most recent to join the network. President Muizzu said the effort to link the entire country is advancing, with preparations under way for the launch in the remaining areas. He added that production of the ferries required for the new routes is in progress, underscoring the administration’s commitment to meeting the revised schedule.

For citizens awaiting the service, the president provided a clear timeline. By February or March 2026, he said, the RTL network will be operational in Laamu Atoll and in all other atolls where service has not yet begun. He confirmed that Laamu Atoll will see the service commence as soon as the requisite ferries are completed.

President commits to 300 housing flats and relocation compensation in Gan

President Muizzu also pledged the construction of 300 housing flats in Gan this year and confirmed compensation for individuals who relocated to the island from other parts of the country. The announcement, delivered during his address to residents of Gan, underscores the administration’s focus on housing expansion, social equity, and economic diversification.

The president detailed the scope of the initiative, noting that 100 flats will be constructed under an agreement formalised on Tuesday evening, 100 flats are already under development, and an additional 100 flats are scheduled for construction this year. Together, these projects will bring the total to 300 housing units.

He has previously stated that Gan will host one of the largest housing developments in the country, positioning the island as a central hub for expanded residential infrastructure.

Compensation for relocated families

Turning to the issue of relocation, President Muizzu reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness. He confirmed that compensation has been allocated for individuals who moved to Gan from other islands.

A total of USD 548,376.60 will be credited to beneficiaries’ accounts at a rate of USD 3,241.76 per individual, following assessments conducted by delegations from the relevant ministries.

Tourism projects to broaden economic base

Alongside housing and relocation measures, the president highlighted the government’s broader strategy to stimulate economic growth through tourism. He pointed to initiatives aimed at facilitating resort development in atolls with underdeveloped tourism sectors.

As part of this effort, he confirmed that a tourist resort development agreement for Gasgan’du Finolhu was executed on Tuesday evening. He added that numerous other projects of a similar nature are planned for phased implementation across the country.

Hospital upgrade anchors development package

President Muizzu’s visit to Gan has resulted in a series of multi‑million dollar agreements aimed at strengthening healthcare, expanding housing, upgrading infrastructure and addressing severe coastal erosion.

At the centre of the new commitments is the transformation of Gan Regional Hospital into a tertiary‑level facility. The project, awarded to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), carries an estimated cost of USD 19.46 million.

In parallel, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has been tasked with constructing 100 new housing flats in Gan, expanding residential capacity and reinforcing the island’s role as a regional hub.

Infrastructure contracts extend to roads, harbour and tourism

The government also advanced Gan’s infrastructure through additional contracts. The Road Development Corporation (RDC) has been mandated to construct all roads on the island, while MTCC will undertake the development of a new harbour.

To stimulate the local economy, an agreement was signed with Bison Maldives Pvt. Ltd. to develop a tourist resort on Gasgan’du Finolhu. Government officials expect the project to generate employment opportunities for residents of the atoll and deliver substantial economic benefits.

President hears local council’s priorities and proposals

During his visit, President Muizzu met with members of the Gan Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC) and heads of local institutions to discuss development priorities.

Council representatives highlighted the need to address utility service challenges and to strengthen resources at Gan Regional Hospital, including the recruitment of a speech therapist and the provision of ambulance services.

They also proposed that the harbour expansion include a yacht marina and the dredging of a channel on the seaward side of the island to improve maritime access. Additional requests included the implementation of shore protection measures, while school representatives outlined specific institutional needs.

Coastal protection project launched to counter erosion

The visit concluded with the launch of a coastal protection initiative in Gan, awarded to MTCC. The project, officially inaugurated during the president’s visit, is designed to provide a permanent solution to the island’s longstanding erosion challenges.

Gan, home to approximately 5,625 residents, has been grappling with significant shoreline loss. The project’s scope includes the pumping and deposition of 10,007 cubic metres of sand, the construction of 30 metres of revetment and 260 metres of groynes. Valued at USD 747,409.33, the contract requires MTCC to complete and hand over the works within 180 days.

Sewerage system project begins in Thundi ward

The development of a sewerage system for a newly inhabited area of the Thundi ward officially commenced with a ceremony in Gan during President Muizzu’s visit. The project, commissioned by the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, is being carried out by the Malé Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC). The total cost of the initiative is stated to be USD 2.37 million.

Rehabilitation centre construction launched in Gan

During the visit, work also began on the establishment of the Laamu Gan Rehabilitation Centre. The project was formally initiated as part of the president’s programme in Laamu Atoll. Responsibility for the construction has been assigned to the Road Development Corporation (RDC), which is currently executing a range of development projects across the Maldives.