President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to launch a comprehensive set of development projects in Noonu Maafaru, aimed at addressing infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing and transportation requirements in line with the community’s priorities.

The announcement was made during his visit to the island on Monday, following the official inauguration of Maafaru’s new water and sanitation system. Speaking to the residents, the President stated the intention of his Administration to engage directly with residents, take note of their concerns, and revise national planning accordingly.

In this context, President Dr Muizzu referred to the recent signing of a contract for the construction of a health centre in Maafaru. He indicated that, following discussions with the community, it is evident that revisions to the original plan were necessary. Consequently, the President instructed that the project be amended within the week to meet current local needs, including an upgrade to a higher-standard facility with the addition of 15 beds. He confirmed that the revised agreement is scheduled to be finalised by July 25 and will reflect the island’s projected growth.

The President also addressed ongoing developments in the education sector. He announced that four classrooms would be added to the school presently under construction. This expansion, he explained, would be carried out without the need for major alterations to the existing building plans. He further noted that the construction of a futsal pitch would be expedited, with completion expected in the near future.

In terms of transport infrastructure, the President reiterated his commitment to road development across the island. He stated that preparatory work is expected to begin by the end of the current year, with full-scale construction across most villages planned to commence in the early months of the following year.

Further developments were highlighted in relation to Maafaru International Airport. The President noted that while runway expansion has been completed, additional infrastructure is required to bring the airport in line with anticipated usage. Among the improvements under consideration is the establishment of a high-quality terminal. He also observed that the atoll already hosts a considerable number of resorts and is expected to accommodate more in the future. In response to this, the Government intends to implement the necessary upgrades to ensure the airport can support projected demand, and he gave assurances that these developments would move forward without delay.

On the subject of housing, the President described it as a sector of national importance. He confirmed that MVR 1 billion would be allocated for housing initiatives in the 2026 state budget, with Maafaru identified as one of the islands where new projects will begin.

The President noted that action is already under way to address Maafaru’s electricity supply, with the procurement of materials to resolve the island’s ongoing power shortage currently in progress.

He affirmed that all planned initiatives would be undertaken in close cooperation with the local community, ensuring that the Government’s development efforts remain responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people of Maafaru.