President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that most of the development projects planned for Raa Atoll Vaadhoo will be completed this year, with a visit to the island scheduled to mark their completion.

During his interaction with the residents of Vaadhoo, the President spoke of his commitment to fulfilling promises made during his presidential campaign, reflecting the aspirations of the island’s community for growth and progress.

Reiterating his dedication to delivering on electoral promises, the President commended Vaadhoo’s culture of initiating projects with a creative vision and assured the Government’s full support for such efforts. He stated that the Administration would back these self-initiatives, signaling a collaborative approach to development.

President Dr Muizzu identified several pressing issues and ongoing challenges impacting Vaadhoo’s development. Among these, he highlighted the relocation of the existing garbage dump as a significant hurdle to allocating new land on the island. He assured residents that this matter would be resolved promptly, with new waste management systems set to begin operation soon.

On infrastructure concerns, he noted that the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company(MTCC) is facing difficulties in sourcing rock boulders needed for breakwater construction.

Efforts are currently underway, involving the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the State Trading Organisation(STO), and MTCC, to import these materials in bulk, enabling the resumption of stalled projects both in Vaadhoo and across other islands. The port development project, he added, will proceed in alignment with the wishes of the island’s residents.

The President also pledged to improve the island’s educational and healthcare facilities. Plans include the construction of additional computer labs and staffrooms for the school, alongside increasing resources to enhance the overall learning environment.

On the healthcare front, he committed to expanding laboratory facilities and service hours, prioritising the delivery of essential services to meet the needs of the community.

In addressing demands for more land, the President announced that the land reclamation process would extend into this year or the next.

He also revealed plans to enhance police services, ensuring stations are equipped to address the unique requirements of each island. By the end of the year, adequate police services are expected to be operational nationwide, including in Vaadhoo.

President Dr Muizzu also affirmed that efforts are underway to resolve power-related challenges across Vaadhoo. He praised the island for its pioneering role as a self-sustaining renewable energy community, aligning with the national target to convert 33 percent of the country’s electricity supply to renewable energy by 2028. As part of this vision, all homes and Government establishments in Vadhoo could transition to renewable energy in the near future.

The President reaffirmed his Administration's commitment to being responsive to the people’s needs, stating that his visits to the islands aim to ensure that development projects align with residents’ priorities. Ministers accompanying him are tasked with implementing these projects efficiently to produce tangible results.