President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced major development projects for Baa Eydhafushi, confirming that construction of 1,000 housing units will begin within the year.

Addressing residents during his visit, the President said the housing project will be implemented in phases and is fully feasible, with units allocated for both current residents and those relocating for economic opportunities. The contract for the development was awarded in November 2024 to China’s SinoHydro Corporation Limited, and is part of Government’s plan to transform the island into one of seven designated urban centres in the Maldives .

Alongside the housing scheme, work will also begin for the development of a Maldives National University (MNU) campus, contracted to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) on 11 August.

The MNU campus will include two-storey blocks for accommodation, administration, classrooms and academic facilities, spanning more than 20,000 square feet. Valued at MVR 80.79 million, the project is expected to be completed within 720 days.

Eydhafushi, home to around 3,500 people, serves as an administrative and economic hub for the atoll. The President said the developments are aligned with his Administration’s long-term vision to make the Maldives a developed nation by 2040, adding that all promised projects for the island will be delivered during his current term.