President Highlights Economic Growth Prospects as Ufuriyaa and Kolhufushi Incorporated under Madifushi

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the incorporation of Ufuriyaa and Kolhufushi in Thaa Atoll under the jurisdiction of Madifushi of the same atoll will pave the way for sustainable development and significant economic growth for the island.

The President met the residents of Madifushi during his ongoing visit to four atolls across the Maldives. During the meeting, Ufuriyaa and Kolhufushi both were formally incorporated under Madifushi's jurisdiction. The Government Gazette published the revised administrative chart reflecting this change earlier on 18 September.

Speaking at the gathering, the President said the incorporation marked the beginning of efforts to deliver on his pledges for Madifushi, adding that the inclusion of the two islands would drive growth and strengthen the island’s development. He handed over the formal confirmation document to the island council, reaffirming the government’s full support to the council to generate revenue through the two islands.

The President also announced a housing initiative for Madifushi, under which 50 housing units will be developed. Emphasising that home ownership remains the government’s top priority, the President said the project would be implemented either as a designated housing scheme in one location or through the construction of units on individual plots, depending on residents’ preferences.

“Work on the 50 housing units will begin next year, and this will resolve housing issues for 50 families. It is up to the residents to decide whether the housing units are built on individual plots or in a new designated location. These units will be leased to residents at a very affordable price,” the President said.

Alongside this announcement, several new initiatives were inaugurated on the island, including the groundbreaking of a new school building, a Fitness and Recreation Centre, an extension to the Health Centre, and the commencement of road development to modern standards. The President assured the community that each of these projects would move forward in the near future. Acknowledging delays in the island’s ice plant project as it is funded through a foreign grant, the President said the project would also be completed soon. He further announced that Madifushi would receive a police vehicle before the end of this year.

The President further stressed that any pledge he makes is one made with full confidence in its fulfilment. He assured residents that the government would carry out the requirements for each island, prioritising the island’s most pressing needs.

Launch of ATM services

During the visit, President Muizzu officially inaugurated the Bank of Maldives (BML) ATM service in Madifushi. Following the launch, the President handed over a souvenir bank card to the island council, marking the commencement of operations. The new facility will provide essential 24-hour cash withdrawal and deposit services, as well as convenient bill payment and transfer options for both individuals and businesses within the community. This installation is part of a broader initiative, under which BML ATMs have now been successfully installed in all inhabited islands across 12 atolls.

Road Development Project’s Practical Work Launched

As part of the President’s visit to Madifushi, the practical work of the island’s road development project was launched by the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib, alongside the Member of Parliament for the constituency Hassan Waheed, Road Development Corporation (RDC)’s Managing Director Ibrahim Nazeem, and Madifushi Council President Ahmed Naseem.

Groundbreaking for Madifushi’s New School Building

The foundation stone for Madifushi’s new school building was also laid as part of the President’s visit, by Minister of Finance and Planning, Moosa Zameer. The project was awarded to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) for USD 3.69 million, to be completed within 420 days. The scope of the project includes the development of a multipurpose hall and a three-storey classroom block.

Meeting with Community Leaders

Earlier in the day, the President met with the Madifushi Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss key issues affecting residents.

During the meeting, Council members expressed appreciation for the administration’s proactive measures in responding to residents’ concerns. Acknowledging the groundbreaking of the new school that day, the Council characterised it as a welcome development for residents. They also briefed the President on the island’s most pressing needs and priorities. In this context, Council members highlighted the understaffing at the Health Centre, noted the absence of a police vehicle, and urged the expedited completion of the suspended ice plant project. The President provided assurance that the government would take these concerns into account.