President Dr Mohamed Muizzu presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Haa Alifu Muraidhoo Council Secretariat building today.

The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, laid the foundation stone for the Police Station, while the Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, laid the foundation stone for the Council Secretariat building.

Photo: President's Office

Photo: President's Office

The ceremony was part of the President's three-day official visit to North Thiladhunmathi Atoll (Haa Alifu Atoll). The new council building is part of a nationwide initiative to renovate aging government facilities, while the Police Station reflects the Administration's commitment to decentralising services and ensuring the safety of citizens nationwide.

The Muraidhoo Council building is one of 55 council buildings in poor condition that will be constructed by Malaysian company Hexter Global, which was awarded the contract last week under contractor financing terms. The project has been given a timeline of 2 years and 6 months for completion. Additionally, the Government has plans to develop 50 more council buildings with Chinese government assistance.

This initiative is part of President Muizzu's campaign pledge to provide new office buildings to councils facing space constraints. The Government has so far announced construction contracts for 105 island councils, which upon completion will resolve space issues for 70 per cent of councils nationwide.