President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to resolve the longstanding harbour challenges facing Maduvvari, Meemu Atoll, announcing that the construction of a new, sheltered harbour will be accorded special priority in the forthcoming national budget. The commitment was delivered during an official visit to the island, part of the president’s ongoing tour of four atolls.
Harbour project to be included in next year’s budget
In a meeting with residents, President Muizzu described the harbour issue as “a very serious matter” and affirmed his administration’s intent to provide a permanent solution. “The most significant development project for this island will be the construction of a new, sheltered harbour,” he said. “This will constitute the single largest and most desired infrastructure project for the residents of the island. We will include it in next year's budget and commence practical work in January.”
Local officials welcomed the announcement. Mohamed Azim Ali, President of the Island Council, underlined the severity of the problem and noted that the request for a proper harbour had been submitted to every successive government, yet no solution had been implemented. He also called for accelerated coastal protection measures and proposed land reclamation to expand the island’s current 10-hectare footprint, enabling new avenues for economic activity.
Stalled projects to be revived and completed
President Muizzu outlined additional commitments to restart and complete several stalled infrastructure projects. These include the development of sports facilities, an extension to the local health centre, and the modernisation of the island’s football field with turf.
Residents raised further concerns during the meeting, including the need to increase electricity capacity and expedite the installation of air conditioning in the local school. In response, representatives from government ministries and state-owned enterprises accompanying the president assured the community that they would assess the status of ongoing projects and take steps to accelerate their completion.
The president’s itinerary on Maduvvari included scheduled consultations with the Island Council and the Women’s Development Committee, aimed at aligning government initiatives with local priorities.
Waste management centre inaugurated on Maduvvari
As part of his official tour of Meemu Atoll, President Muizzu attended the inauguration of the newly completed Waste Management Centre on Maduvvari. The facility was formally opened by Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer, joined by senior officials including Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Member for Dhiggaru Ahmed Nazim, Managing Director of WAMCO Mujuthaba Jaleel, and the Island Council President.
Government officials stated that the centre will provide a permanent solution to the island’s persistent waste disposal challenges. The inauguration marks one of several development milestones during the president’s tour, which also serves as a platform to assess local needs and communicate the administration’s broader development agenda.
President receives warm welcome on arrival in Maduvvari
President Muizzu arrived on Maduvvari as the 14th stop on his current tour of four atolls. Upon arrival, he was greeted by a large gathering of residents at the harbour, who extended a warm welcome to the president and his delegation.