President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to ensuring judicial independence, stating that the Government will not interfere in the judiciary.

Speaking to residents of Laamu Fonadhoo during his visit to the island, the President said the Government’s role is to provide the necessary resources for the judiciary, while it is the judiciary’s duty to operate with justice, fairness and independence.

During the visit, the President provided updates on several major development initiatives for Fonadhoo, including a land reclamation project totalling 144 hectares, with 114 hectares allocated for the airport and 30 hectares for island use. He said Kadhdhoo Airport will be upgraded to an international airport and noted that the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) will not need to be relocated as part of the project. The President added that the development of the airport is essential to support resort development in the region.

Highlighting the importance of regional development, President Dr Muizzu said it remains a central focus of his Administration’s policy framework. He reiterated that decentralised development is key to achieving balanced progress across the country and said citizens will begin to see its benefits in the medium term.

The President also spoke on education, noting progress on the establishment of a new language school, the Maldives National University (MNU) campus, and the completion of a new school building in the island. He said that as an urban centre, educational development is essential for the atoll's growth and future opportunities.

In the health sector, President Dr Muizzu said funding has already been secured for a 50-bed hospital in Fonadhoo and that procedural work is now under way to begin implementation.

He further announced plans to develop a new sports complex with a capacity of 1,200 people for indoor sports, along with an office complex to support population consolidation efforts. Work is also ongoing to establish a convention centre to promote Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism.

The President also spoke about the third phase of the island’s road development project, for which the agreement was signed on Monday. He assured that, as part of the agreement, all remaining roads in Fonadhoo will be completed.

On housing, President Dr Muizzu said a total of 500 housing units are planned for Fonadhoo, with 100 units already handed over and practical works underway.

The President also spoke about efforts to enhance maritime services, noting that Maldives Ports Limited is in discussions to expand bunkering and transshipment operations in the atoll.

He further assured that all outstanding payments owed to local businesses from the previous administration will be settled, reaffirming an announcement he made earlier in October. The President added that this, along with other commitments undertaken by the Administration, is being carried out without resorting to printing money.