President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has emphasised that he has no intention of controlling the media, stating that he never has and nor does he plan to do so. He, however, urged everyone to exercise responsibility in their actions.
He made these remarks at a meeting with residents of Nolhivaranfaru, held during his ongoing tour of the inhabited islands of Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
The President affirmed that the government remains steadfast in advancing the aspirations of the public, emphasising that its primary responsibility is to ensure the realisation of those aspirations. He stressed that all citizens bear a corresponding responsibility to facilitate the smooth progression of national initiatives. While the government undertakes project implementation, he noted that others – be they political parties, organisations, or the media – must act concurrently.
With regard to the Maldives Media and Broadcast Regulation Bill currently under consideration in Parliament, the President clarified that he has no intention of influencing the legislative process and has communicated this position to members of Parliament representing the ruling party. He further observed that, although the Bill stipulates that the proposed commission would be governed by an individual appointed by the President, he has pledged to refrain from exercising such authority.
The President asserted that the media must remain free from external influence and reaffirmed the necessity of its independent operation.
He further stated that he has no desire to exert any control over media regulation, emphasising that the media should function in a manner that is fully independent, transparent, and accountable.
Meeting with Community Leaders:
Earlier in the day, President Muizzu met with the Nolhivaranfaru Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities.
During the discussions, Council members requested that shore protection works be incorporated into the harbour expansion project and urged the expedition of road development. They further highlighted the challenges faced by farmers in accessing electricity and called for the development of a high-quality volleyball court on the island. The Council also proposed that the sandbank within the island’s lagoon be developed as a picnic island.
In addition, heads of institutions participating in the meeting underscored the need for a sea ambulance to be stationed on the island.
During the meeting, the President assured the Council that the government would give due consideration to their concerns and work towards practical solutions. He also provided updates on ongoing development projects.
Development Agreements Signed:
As part of the President’s visit to Nolhivaranfaru, a series of agreements were signed towards the island’s development. These include the Health Centre Extension Project, the Multipurpose Hall and School Infrastructure Development Project, the Harbour Expansion Project, the Football Stadium Establishment Project, and the Sports Complex Development Project. In addition, land previously allocated for tourism development in Nolhivaranfaru was formally removed from the registry of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and returned to the Island Council.
The President said the projects signed would mark a new chapter in Nolhivaranfaru’s development, and said it will significantly raise the standard of development for the people of the island. He said each of these projects will be given high priority and will be carried out swiftly. He assured the community that all initiatives would be closely monitored to ensure their swift and efficient completion, while also pledging to maintain essential services during the transitional phase until the projects are finalised.
Noting that the island has a population of over 2,000, the President said the island will be developed in a sustainable manner. He reiterated his assurance that the government’s efforts towards national development would be swift and centred around the needs of the citizens.
Sector-Specific Commitments
Health: While a Health Centre Extension Project had been signed as part of the President’s visit, the President said even while the development is ongoing, the services available at the existing health centre will continue to be improved, including additional specialist doctors and staff capacity.
Education: The President said as per the agreement signed that day, a fully equipped school will be established on the island. President Muizzu said the project will be implemented true to his pledge, with the school being built on the land allocated by the island Council. This project includes the establishment of a multipurpose hall, a science laboratory, and other facilities. The project is expected to commence this year, and be operational by 2027, he said.
Housing: As part of the President’s visit, 100 housing units developed on the island in 2022 were officially handed over to the island Council by the President.
The President acknowledged that the housing units handed over were not adequate to address the island’s housing needs. Therefore, the President announced a new housing project for the island, with 250 housing units to be built. These include 100 units to be developed on citizens’ plots, with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to commence the work next month. HDC will be constructing three-bedroom apartments on these 100 plots.
Sports: On sports development, the President said a FIFA-standard stadium, and a modern sports complex will be developed on the island under the sports agreement signed during the visit. He described these facilities as gateways to greater success in the field of sports. The President further stated that he is prepared to begin establishing certain sports facilities immediately, and confirmed that work on a new volleyball court would commence soon.
Waste management: Underscoring the importance of sustainable approaches to development, the President further assured that, within a maximum of five months, the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) would commence waste management operations on the island.
Tourism: The President said 14 hectares of land previously left idle have now been returned to the Council for development. He urged the Council to attract investors to develop the land at the earliest, and expressed hope that the revenue generated from the land would benefit the community.
Erosion control: The President said he would include additional projects in next year’s budget, including effectively addressing the island’s erosion problem.
Continuation of Haa Dhaalu Tour
Arriving in Nolhivaranfaru on Monday evening, President Muizzu was greeted by a large number of residents, alongside members of the island council and senior officials from local institutions. The visit marked the seventh stop in a comprehensive itinerary that includes all thirteen inhabited islands within Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
The President’s delegation comprises several cabinet ministers and high-ranking representatives from government agencies. The tour is part of a broader engagement strategy aimed at assessing local development priorities and advancing key infrastructure and service delivery projects across the region.