President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to construct a new school in Maalhos, Baa Atoll, should residents request it, as part of a broader initiative to address infrastructure challenges on the island. The announcement was made during the final stop of the president’s four-day tour of Baa Atoll, which included visits to 13 inhabited islands between 11 and 14 August.
Speaking to residents on Thursday morning, President Muizzu outlined a broad agenda to fulfil campaign promises and accelerate development across Maalhos. Central to his address was the proposal for a new school, prompted by the current facility’s inability to accommodate further expansion.
The president noted that the existing school lacks critical infrastructure, including a multipurpose hall, additional classrooms, staff rooms, and a science laboratory. He affirmed the government’s readiness to construct a new building with modern amenities, contingent on the community’s identification of a suitable plot of land.
“Upon the identification of suitable land and the submission of a proposal for a new school, the government stands prepared to construct the requisite educational buildings and establish all necessary facilities,” President Muizzu said. “The project will commence once the community formally presents its preferred approach.” He further assured residents that the initiative would not be hindered by budgetary constraints.
A harbour revamp and a new powerhouse: Infrastructure takes centre stage
In addition to educational improvements, President Muizzu addressed the island’s broader infrastructure needs. He reaffirmed his commitment to fast-tracking the Maalhos harbour development project, which he had prioritised during his presidential campaign. The harbour, he said, plays a critical role in mitigating severe erosion issues, and preparatory work is already underway.
As part of the harbour initiative, the island’s powerhouse will be relocated to a new site. This relocation is expected to complement ongoing efforts to strengthen Maalhos’ foundational infrastructure.
The president also spoke about plans to improve sports and recreational facilities. He confirmed that development of the island’s football field is progressing, with a commitment to equip it with all necessary amenities. Land has already been secured for a new fitness and recreation centre, and construction is anticipated to begin this year. An outdoor gym project is also scheduled to commence within the same timeframe.
Addressing environmental concerns, President Muizzu identified persistent flooding as a technical challenge requiring a comprehensive study. He pledged a permanent solution through the installation of a pumping system to alleviate widespread water accumulation. Road construction across Maalhos will proceed in alignment with the preferences expressed by residents, he added.
Expanding public services with a promise of equity
President Muizzu also highlighted the expansion of public services as a central component of his administration’s development strategy. He noted that practical work is underway to establish a police station in Maalhos, part of a nationwide initiative to launch police services on all inhabited islands this year. Several of these projects, he noted, are already nearing completion.
Underscoring his administration’s commitment to equitable development, the president stated that all citizens are equal regardless of population size. He framed this principle as a response to what he described as historical neglect of smaller islands.
In the health sector, President Muizzu confirmed that the Maalhos health centre project has been awarded to a contractor. Construction and the provision of full medical services are expected to begin imminently, he elaborated.
Concluding his remarks, the president reaffirmed the government’s dedication to Maalhos’ development. He assured residents of a collaborative approach to meeting their needs and delivering on all promised projects.
Local leaders voice concerns as president meets with council and WDC
During his visit, President Muizzu held a meeting with the Maalhos Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and local institutional leaders at Maalhos School. The session was part of his broader tour aimed at assessing public conditions and gathering feedback from local councils.
Council members raised several pressing concerns, including the need to expedite harbour development, improve electricity services, and relocate the powerhouse. They also called for a permanent solution to the island’s recurrent flooding.
The council members outlined plans to allocate space for local tourism in the island’s land use plan and expressed interest in establishing a dedicated tourist beach. In the area of youth engagement, they acknowledged government efforts to improve sports facilities but requested the concurrent completion of all works on the football field.
Turning to education, council members highlighted the absence of infrastructural upgrades over the past 15 years and expressed hopes for meaningful improvements. Specific requests included a multipurpose hall, an expanded staff room, and a dedicated office building for the school.
President Muizzu assured the council that the government would carefully consider their concerns and implement practical solutions. He also provided updates on ongoing development projects, accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior officials from state-owned enterprises.
Modern mosque project in Maalhos signals broader push for sustainable religious infrastructure
Work also commenced on a new mosque in Maalhos, designed to accommodate 500 worshippers and serve as a centre for Islamic education. The project, part of President Muizzu’s broader development agenda, was inaugurated during his visit to the island, with Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed presiding over the ceremony.
The mosque, according to Minister Shaheem, will be fully air-conditioned and powered by solar energy. Its design includes dedicated classrooms for Quranic education. The construction contract was awarded to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), and the initiative is being positioned as a model for sustainable, community-oriented religious infrastructure.
With a population of approximately 700, Maalhos is among several islands slated for mosque development under the government’s policy to expand access to Islamic education and modern worship facilities.
Police presence expands as construction begins on new station
The president’s visit also included the official launch of the Maalhos police station project. A groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the commencement of construction, led by Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan. Joining the minister and president were Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen, Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) Managing Director Ahmed Saudee, and the president of the Maalhos Council.
The project, undertaken by MTCC, is part of a broader government initiative to establish police services on every inhabited island within two years. Work has already begun this year on stations in islands currently lacking police presence. The administration views comprehensive police coverage as essential to building a safe and secure society.
Banking access reaches Maalhos with new ATM services
To conclude his visit, President Muizzu inaugurated ATM services in Maalhos, advancing the government’s commitment to expanding banking access across the country. Maalhos is the 47th island to receive ATM services under a nationwide initiative to install machines in all inhabited islands. With this launch, ATM services are now available throughout Baa Atoll.
To mark the occasion, President Muizzu performed a ceremonial cash withdrawal from the newly installed self-service ATM. A commemorative bank card was presented to the island council. The Bank of Maldives (BML) confirmed that the ATM offers 24-hour access to a range of banking services for individuals and businesses, including cash withdrawals, deposits, bill payments, and transfers. It also supports credit card and loan payments.
BML completes ATM network across Baa Atoll’s inhabited islands
BML has completed the installation and activation of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) across all inhabited islands in Baa Atoll, marking a pivotal moment in the government’s nationwide effort to expand financial access. The announcement was made during President Muizzu’s official tour of the region, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to delivering essential services to island communities.
With this development, Baa Atoll joins Haa Alifu, Shaviyani, Dhaalu, Noonu, Meemu, and Kaafu as the seventh atoll where ATM services have been fully established on every inhabited island.
The ATM rollout is part of a national initiative launched in November last year under the directive of President Muizzu. Administered by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade in partnership with BML, the programme is designed to ensure that core banking services are available to all citizens, regardless of geographic location.
Progress under the initiative has accelerated in recent months. BML reports that ATMs have been installed and made operational in 47 islands so far this year. In Baa Atoll alone, 10 of its 13 inhabited islands received new ATM units, completing the network across the atoll.
At the inauguration ceremony held in Maalhos, BML Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Shareef outlined the next phase of the rollout. ATM services are ready for launch in 23 additional islands across five more atolls, and installations are scheduled in 33 islands within the remaining seven atolls over the coming two to three months. The bank anticipates full nationwide coverage by the end of the year.
The current expansion marks a significant departure from previous efforts. ATM services were first introduced in Malé in 2000, beginning with five machines. Expansion to the outer atolls commenced in 2007, but between 2008 and 2023, only 67 islands received installations. Just nine ATMs were added last year before the launch of the present initiative, which has dramatically accelerated the pace of deployment.
President Muizzu ends Baa Atoll tour with final stop in Maalhos
President Muizzu concluded his four-day tour of Baa Atoll with a final stop in Maalhos, the thirteenth and last island visited during the engagement that began on 11 August. Residents welcomed the president warmly upon his arrival. The tour was organised to facilitate direct engagement with local communities and to assess conditions on the ground.