President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured the residents of Haa Alif Maarandhoo that the island will see major development in the coming months, addressing long-standing concerns and improving essential services.

During his tour of Haa Alif Atoll, President Dr Muizzu addressed the residents of Maarandhoo, acknowledging the island’s pressing challenges, including the need for improved sports facilities, harbour development, coastal protection, infrastructure upgrades, waste management solutions, and enhanced healthcare and education services.

The President noted that many development projects had been initiated but later abandoned and assured the community that the current Administration has identified solutions to resume and complete these works.

Emphasising the Government’s commitment to addressing local concerns, President Dr Muizzu pledged a comprehensive solution to the island’s harbour issues and prioritised efforts to tackle coastal erosion, school space constraints, and healthcare improvements. The President assured residents that these concerns would be tackled in 2025, while also ensuring that previously delayed projects are expedited.

As part of improving transport and connectivity, the President announced that Maarandhoo will be integrated into the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry network before Ramadan, providing residents with better access to surrounding islands and services.

During his visit to Maarandhoo, the President also oversaw the handover of a new ATM installation project from the Bank of Maldives (BML) to the Maarandhoo Island Council.

Addressing concerns about Government spending on official visits, the President emphasised that these engagements should not be seen as unnecessary expenses but rather as investments in understanding and resolving local challenges. He stressed that the real waste lies in delaying action, adding that direct engagement with citizens and institutions, alongside relevant Ministers, allows for quicker and more effective solutions to community needs.