President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the old Arabiyya School building will be demolished, with plans to develop raised-level vehicle parking and a community park on the site following public consultation.

He made the remarks during a community meeting with Mahchangolhi residents, where he listened to concerns and assured that every issue raised, whether personal, district-level, or concerning the wider Malé area, had been recorded and would be addressed. The President said he welcomes public opinion through district-level, city-wide and individual engagement.

Addressing housing concerns, which he described as the most pressing issue, the President said land plots issued by the previous administration had not been reclaimed, but those areas are now undergoing reclamation. Earlier in the day, he announced the arrival of a new dredger to accelerate this work. He added that land in Hulhumalé Phase II is being prepared for handover, and no previously allocated land will be taken back.

The President also said essential services are being installed in the 4,000 FDC flats and that all units will be ready for occupation by the start of the new academic year.

Speaking on his “First Home” initiative, the President reiterated his commitment to ensuring that every Maldivian aged 18 and above will have access to a home. He noted that new housing will be delivered through ongoing reclamation projects, including Rasmalé. Once completed, Rasmalé will be twice the size of Hulhumalé Phase I and II combined, he said. An international consultancy is preparing the master plan, and a total of 25,000 plots are planned for allocation, with 15,000 announced as the first set to be issued.

The President also highlighted progress on flats, including the recent agreement with Bank of Maldives for 3,000 units. He noted that owning a home will not disqualify applicants from future housing schemes, emphasising that allocations will prioritise those most in need. He further stated that dedicated housing will be provided for taxi drivers and resort employees, reflecting the Administration’s appreciation for these sectors.

On urban development, the President described road conditions as the second most significant concern for Malé residents after housing. He said funding has been secured for road development in Malé and Villimalé and that maintenance work will begin even before the new projects commence.

The President noted that the old Jamaaludhin School building had previously been designated for development as a park but remained untouched. He said that if the Malé City Council is unable to undertake the project, the Government will proceed with it. The President also announced plans to redevelop a section of Sultan Park as an e-gaming centre and to introduce new state-of-the-art indoor facilities for children. He added that the old MSL flats and other outdated housing blocks slated for demolition will be replaced with recreational spaces for youth and children.

On strengthening the livelihoods of taxi drivers, the President highlighted the new driver register which would help them secure loans and housing. He assured that the Government’s upcoming taxi service with MTCC would not undermine existing drivers’ businesses. A fleet of 150 e-vehicles will be introduced, with priority given to current drivers. He stated previous concerns over income stability will be addressed through this initiative.

The President also highlighted environmental priorities, including the Five Million Tree initiative. He said that following the removal of two banyan trees in Villimalé, 300 new trees will be planted as replacements. Renewables remain a key focus, he added, noting that 33 per cent of the country’s energy mix end of this term will come from renewable sources. While trees may occasionally need to be removed for public needs, he said the Government will always plant more in return.