For Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo, President Muizzu Pledges Equal Development and Imminent Bridge Construction

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday announced a series of measures to accelerate development in Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo, Addu Atoll, pledging the construction of a bridge to link the islands with Hithadhoo and confirming their administrative separation from the Addu City Council. He described the initiatives as the foundation for rapid progress and a decisive step toward ending what residents have long regarded as neglect.

Bridge project set to move from design to construction

The bridge project, a centrepiece of the government’s infrastructure agenda, is expected to move swiftly from design to construction. A Chinese company has been contracted to conduct the feasibility study and prepare the design, which must be completed within six months. Once finalised, the project will be handed to a contractor, with physical work projected to begin around March or April of next year.

“My administration remains committed to initiating and advancing further development projects in both Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo moving forward. It is a distinct pleasure for me to deliver extensive benefits and services to the citizens,” President Muizzu said.

Administrative separation framed as a path to equality

The president also confirmed that Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo would be administratively separated from Addu City, describing the move as the beginning of development for both islands. The decision followed a public referendum held on 25 October, fulfilling a campaign pledge to address what many residents described as years of marginalisation under the previous governance structure. He said the separation delivers a permanent solution to the issue and marks a turning point for the two communities.

The administration has framed the policy not as discrimination but as a commitment to equality, pledging that Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo and the wider Addu Atoll will receive balanced development across all sectors. The reform is intended to bring municipal and urban services closer to residents, with newly elected local councils in Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo set to assume responsibility for service delivery beginning next year.

In preparation, the government has begun securing space for municipal offices, with the president promising to expand existing facilities or construct new ones if necessary.

Development agenda spans health, education and industry

Alongside these measures, President Muizzu outlined a broad development programme. In the health sector, the government plans to transform the existing health centre into a hospital and establish a modern, 30-bed facility, with funding already secured. Education and infrastructure initiatives are also advancing, including expanding school capacity, constructing new roads, establishing a fitness and recreation centre, and improving waste management systems.

On the economic front, the government is working to secure financing for the expansion of factory space in Hulhudhoo. National budgets and private sector partnerships will be mobilised to support development across health, education, employment and infrastructure.

“In the forthcoming period, regarding the sphere of development, be it the health sector, the education sector, employment opportunities, or urban infrastructure development, and regardless of whether funding is provided through the government budget or facilitated by us through the private sector, Addu Hulhudhoo, Addu Meedhoo, and Addu Atoll will be developed equitably,” President Muizzu assured. “This government will continue to deliver necessary services and initiatives to you until equitable development is achieved for all citizens across Addu Atoll.”

The president reiterated his personal commitment to advancing projects in Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo, saying that serving the people brings him pleasure.

Roadworks and waste management projects begin

The government launched a series of development projects in Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo, underscoring President Muizzu’s agenda to expand decentralisation, strengthen local infrastructure and improve public services. The initiatives were inaugurated during the president’s visit to the islands in the southernmost atoll.

Work to modernise roads in Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo has officially begun, with the project inaugurated by Dr Abdulla Muththalib, the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure. Officials said priority is being given to roads serving key institutions and those in the most damaged condition, in line with residents’ requests.

Alongside the roadworks, development of the Hulhumeedhoo Waste Management Centre was launched by Adam Shareef Umar, the Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works. The government said the facility is intended to provide a permanent solution to the island’s long-standing waste challenges.

Education Ministry, MTCC sign accord to build new Seenu Atoll School

The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has been awarded the contract to construct a new building for Seenu Atoll School, following the signing of an agreement at a public ceremony attended by President Muizzu.

The accord was signed on behalf of the government by Hussain Saeed, State Minister at the Ministry of Education, and for MTCC by the company’s Managing Director, Ahmed Saudee. Officials described the agreement as a significant step in strengthening educational infrastructure in the southern atoll, with the project entrusted to one of the country’s leading state-owned enterprises.

Banking and financial services expand

The president’s visit also marked the expansion of financial services. The foundation stone for a new Bank of Maldives (BML) branch in Hulhudhoo was laid by Minister Adam Shareef, joined by BML Chairperson Ahmed Ali Habeeb and Chief Executive Mohamed Shareef. The bank currently operates 42 branches across 20 atolls, along with 202 self-service centres, 260 ATMs and online banking services.

In addition, Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) introduced an ATM service in Hulhumeedhoo. President Muizzu inaugurated the facility during his visit.

Passport services extended under nationwide programme

Passport issuance services have now commenced in Hulhudhoo, with the launch officiated by Minister Adam Shareef. The initiative forms part of a nationwide programme to provide both national identity card and passport services across all atolls. Passport and national identity card issuance services were also launched in Meedhoo during President Muizzu's visit.

The government confirmed that the project was completed three months ahead of schedule. Officials described the expansion as a central policy of President Muizzu, aimed at ensuring essential documentation is available closer to citizens.

Fitness and recreation centres to promote community health

The visit also included the laying of foundation stones for two new fitness and recreation centres, one in Hulhudhoo and one in Meedhoo. Both projects are being developed under the Road Development Corporation (RDC).

The ceremony in Hulhudhoo was attended by Minister Adam Shareef; Abdul Razzaq Ibrahim, the State Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation; and Ibrahim Nazeem, the corporation’s Managing Director.

The facilities will include an indoor gym, aerobics space, board games and areas for indoor sports. The government has identified the establishment of such centres on every island as a high priority.