President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to completing the land reclamation project in Kaafu Atoll Gulhi, assuring residents that the initiative would not be halted until the bund wall and reclamation efforts are fully completed. The President made this statement during a visit to Gulhi Island, where he met with the local community to discuss ongoing and planned development efforts.

Addressing the residents, President Dr Muizzu noted that while the project had been signed during the final days of the previous administration, no budget had been allocated for the project at the time. Despite this challenge, the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) is actively progressing with the work, reflecting the current Administration’s dedication to fulfilling the people's expectations, the President added. He assured that the project would proceed in alignment with the island council’s plans.

Speaking on space constraints at the harbour area, the President stated that the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure, in collaboration with the Gulhi Island Council, would determine whether to construct a new harbour or develop the existing one. The decision, he explained, would prioritise economic benefits for the island. Technical advice from the ongoing harbour channel project would guide the resolution of these constraints, ensuring an optimal solution is implemented.

The President also addressed concerns over land allocated for tourism purposes that have not benefitted the island. He pledged that if a review by the Attorney General, Ministry of Tourism, and Island Council concludes that terminating the agreement is in the island’s best interest, his Administration would support the process.

Further highlighting his Administration’s priorities, the President assured residents that stalled projects in the education sector and capacity-building initiatives in the health sector would be resumed and given priority in this year’s budget. He also committed to resolving the space limitations at the island mosque and addressing the waste management issues faced by the community.

This visit to Gulhi marks the President’s first island visit of the year as part of his ongoing nationwide tour, which he began in 2024 to engage directly with local councils and communities across all atolls.