President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has expressed concern over local councils not fully utilising the amount allocated to the councils as block grants. The President made the statement while meeting with the people of Eydhafushi, Baa Atoll, as part of his ongoing visit to the inhabited islands of the Atoll.
Last year, the government disbursed a total of USD 142.6 million in block grants to councils across the Maldives.
According to the President, of this amount, USD 90.7 million remain unspent in council accounts. While the grants are intended to support municipal services and other projects benefiting local communities, the President reminded local Councils of their mandate, stressing that their foremost duty is to implement government policies and serve the public. He urged that developmental priorities remain the main focus, setting aside political differences and personal preferences.
In his speech, the President reiterated that the government faced economic challenges in the first year of presidency, and development projects could thus not be carried out at the desired pace. However, the economic recovery has now made progress, and development projects will continue to accelerate in the future, he stated.
Referring to the water, sanitation, and electricity networks required in the newly reclaimed areas, the President noted that such gaps were systemic issues faced nationwide. To address this, President Dr Muizzu pledged to introduce a dedicated policy initiative for infrastructure development in reclaimed areas, ensuring these needs are met in a structured and consistent manner.
In his speech, the President referred to his vision to transform the Maldives into a developed country by 2040, and described these development projects as serious, long-term endeavors.
Targeted Development for Eydhafushi
The President recalled that the Presidential Manifesto had formulated a medium and long-term plan for the development of the Maldives, which have been well-received by the public. These include the development of various islands and the implementation of development projects in various areas, including the establishment of urban centres, he said. The work is underway, he assured.
While seven urban centres are being developed across the Maldives, Eydhafushi is one of the islands that the President had earlier announced would be developed as an urban centre. Noting that many pledges have been made for the development of Eydhafushi, the President said the most important priority is to provide adequate housing solutions.
The government awarded the construction of 1,000 housing units in Eydhafushi to China's Sino Hydro Corporation Limited in November last year. Highlighting the project, the President said the practical implementation of the project will start this year. The President also assured that the work would be completed within the current term.
“The 1,000 housing units may have to be developed in phases. We will start the project this year. The housing units will be available to those who wish to move to the island under land consolidation, and those who want to stay in the island for economic purposes. This is a 100 percent feasible project.” the President said.
According to the President, Eydhafushi’s harbour development is expected to be finalised within six months, while work on a new indoor multi-sport complex will also begin this year. Designed to accommodate 1,200 spectators, the facility will support the island’s sporting culture, he noted.
The President further pledged to introduce a US Dollar Automated Teller Machine (ATM) service for the island within the year, and announced plans to upgrade Eydhafushi’s water and energy networks over the current year and the next, alongside expanding the land available for housing plots. He further announced that a convention centre will be constructed on the island next year.
The President said that all development projects are being carried out in a certain order. He assured that all the projects he has promised will be completed during this term.
Eydhafushi Hospital Expansion, Road Development
During the visit, the expansion of the Eydhafushi Hospital was officially handed over to the Road Development Corporation (RDC). Speaking on the project, the President said new services will be launched in the area with the new expansion. He assured that all services required of an urban centre will be available at the hospital.
The second phase of the road construction in Eydhafushi is now ready to commence. Under the project, all the roads in the island will be developed to a modern standard, he said. Additionally, the President said that the work being done to resolve the problems facing the island’s harbour will be completed within six months.
Meeting with Community Leaders
Earlier the same day, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with members of the Eydhafushi Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC) and heads of local institutions, to discuss the island’s key development priorities. The meeting was held at the Eydhafushi Island Council Secretariat.
During the discussions, the Council members emphasised the urgent need to expedite the development of the sports complex and to connect water and sewerage services to the newly populated area at the earliest opportunity. They also highlighted challenges in securing skilled personnel for the health sector. In addition, the Council noted that as residents begin to settle in the island’s new area, there will be greater demand on the electricity network. Waste management challenges were also raised, along with the importance of constructing a new building for the island’s school.
The Council further conveyed public appreciation for the introduction of solar energy in homes under the “My Solar” project and expressed the community’s interest in expanded opportunities to participate in the programme.
In response, President Dr Muizzu assured that the government would review the concerns raised and work towards effective solutions. He also shared updates on ongoing development projects on the island, accompanied by Cabinet Ministers and heads of State-Owned Enterprises.
RTL Service Launch
As part of his visit to Eydhafushi, the President officially launched the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) services in Baa Atoll, as pledged while delivering this year’s Presidential Address at the opening of the Parliament.
A special ceremony was held to inaugurate the service, which was attended by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen, and Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC)’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ahmed Saudi.
Although officially inaugurated now, the service has been available unofficially since 28 July this year.
Prior to the launch of the service in Baa Atoll, employees were recruited and trained. The services in Baa Atoll will be operated on two routes using two high speed ferries. The routes of these ferries are designed to facilitate travel to the atoll’s airport as well as facilitate access to other public services from the Atoll capital.
Like in other atolls, ferries were operated using the first week of the service as familiarisation trips with no fees charged. Routes and fares will be available on the RTL application and website.
MNU Campus in Eydhafushi
As part of the President’s meeting with the island’s residents, an agreement was signed between MTCC and the Maldives National University (MNU) to establish an MNU campus in Eydhafushi. The agreement was signed on behalf of MTCC by CEO Saudi, while MNU was represented by its Vice Chancellor, Dr Aishath Shehenaz Adam.
Under the project, a two-storey student accommodation block will be developed on an area of 6000 sqft, in addition to a two-storey staff accommodation block constructed on an area of 3200 sqft. The project also includes a two-storey administrative block developed over a 3000 sqft area. Additionally, a two-storey classroom block will be constructed over a 4000 sqft as well as a a two-storey academic facilities block over a 4000 sqft area. The project, valued at USD 5.2 million, is to be completed within 720 days.
Eydhafushi, the atoll’s capital, has a population of around 3,500. The island is home to many educated young people, most of whom are employed in government institutions and nearby resorts. The establishment of an MNU campus on the island is expected to bring significant benefits to the entire atoll.