President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the Government aims to complete a wide range of development projects across the country by Independence Day 2028, describing the year as a major milestone in the Maldives' journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2040.
Speaking at the official ceremony marking the Maldives' 61st Independence Day, the President said the Government had completed 590 development projects across various sectors during its first two years and eight months in office. During the same period, the previous Maldivian Democratic Party administration completed 285 projects, while the administration before it completed 321.
He added that 1,635 projects are currently under implementation, compared with 414 and 355 projects undertaken by the previous two administrations during the equivalent period.
President Dr Muizzu said development would continue to be delivered equitably across the country, regardless of island size, under the Government's decentralised development policy.
He said water and sewerage projects, waste management facilities, fitness and recreation centres, outdoor gyms, children's parks and ATM services would be completed on all inhabited islands by Independence Day 2028.
Healthcare services will also be strengthened through new police health centres, laboratories, CT scan and dialysis services in every atoll, while school infrastructure will be upgraded to support inclusive education.
The President said work on Quran centres, universities, futsal and football grounds would also be completed, alongside electricity infrastructure projects. He added that fuel stations selling fuel at State Trading Organisation rates would be established in every atoll, and airport access would be available within 30 minutes for communities across each atoll.
Other planned projects include picnic islands, bank branches, sports complexes in every atoll, housing developments, Islamic centres and the completion of council office buildings in at least 100 islands.
President Dr Muizzu also said significant progress would be made by 2028 on the Government's initiative to develop 10 resorts aimed at increasing tourism benefits for citizens, while the redevelopment of roads in Malé and construction of Villimalé Hospital are also expected to be nearing completion.
He said achieving these targets by 2028 would represent a major milestone towards the Government's vision of making the Maldives a developed country by 2040.
National award for tobacco control efforts
President Dr Muizzu also announced that a national award will be introduced from next year to recognise individuals and organisations that make significant contributions to protecting people from the harmful effects of tobacco.
He said the Government continues to prioritise preventive healthcare and has introduced strict measures against tobacco and vaping as part of its efforts to improve public health. The President noted that the generational tobacco ban was introduced to prevent young people from becoming addicted to tobacco, while the vape ban was implemented to protect society from vaping.
He also said civil society organisations have played an important role in tobacco control, adding that the national award, to be presented annually from 26 July next year, will recognise those who help the greatest number of people quit tobacco use.
The President further said the establishment of StatePharma would provide a lasting solution to medicine shortages in the Maldives, noting that previous administrations had failed to adequately address the issue.