300-Flat Housing Scheme and Multi-Sector Projects in Muli Framed as Priorities by President Muizzu

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced a wide-ranging portfolio of development projects for the island of Muli, signalling a strategic acceleration of infrastructure and public service upgrades across Meemu Atoll. The initiatives, spanning housing, coastal protection, transport, healthcare, education, and law enforcement, were formally introduced during meetings with local councils and residents as part of the president’s ongoing tour of the region.

A housing push to meet rising demand

At the centre of the development agenda is a government-led housing initiative comprising 300 units, scheduled to commence next year. President Muizzu described the project as the largest earmarked for Muli in the forthcoming budget, citing the island’s rising population as a key factor in the housing shortfall.

“The 300-unit project will be implemented in two phases. Work on the first 150 units will commence around February. Subsequently, construction on the remaining 150 units will begin around September,” the president stated.

Transport, health and education in focus

The housing initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise essential infrastructure. The president confirmed that lighting installation at Muli Airport is underway, enabling night-time landings and operations, with completion expected by next month. He highlighted the airport’s role in advancing the economic development of Muli and the surrounding region.

Healthcare infrastructure is also set for expansion. The development of Meemu Atoll Hospital has been designated a high-priority undertaking, with the president pledging to expedite its progress. Transport connectivity will be strengthened through the early completion of the Muli-Naalaafushi causeway, while energy reliability will be addressed with the delivery of a 100-kilowatt generator within the year.

Educational facilities are slated for improvement, with plans to expand the local school by adding new classrooms next year. The president also recognised the initiation of shore protection, road development, and police station construction as critical components of the island’s long-term advancement.

Shoring up the coastline

During the visit, the contract for the Muli coastal protection project was formally awarded to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The agreement was signed by Dr Abdulla Muththalib, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, and MTCC Managing Director Ahmed Saudee.

Valued at USD 2.32 million, the project is scheduled for completion within 250 days. It includes the construction of a 363-metre rock revetment, two rock groynes measuring 180 metres and 130 metres respectively, as well as revetment backfilling and beach nourishment. Established in 1980, MTCC has a 44-year history of delivering infrastructure projects across the Maldives.

A new chapter in waste management

Public services are also being expanded. A new agreement to launch waste collection services in Muli was signed between the Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO) and the Muli Island Council. The signing ceremony, held during a community gathering, was attended by President Muizzu.

WAMCO Managing Director Mujuthaba Jaleel and Muli Council President Shammoon Rameez formalised the agreement. According to the government, the completion of the Muli waste management centre, alongside the new services, will provide a permanent solution to the island’s waste disposal challenges. The initiative forms part of the broader development agenda being implemented during the president’s tour of the atolls.

Expanding law enforcement infrastructure

Law enforcement infrastructure is also being addressed. Construction of a new police station in Muli has officially begun, with the inauguration ceremony attended by President Muizzu. The event was officiated jointly by Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, the Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen, the local Member of Parliament, and the President of the Muli Council.

The project supports the government’s national objective to establish police stations and ensure law enforcement services on every inhabited island within two years.

Paving the way for modern roads

Transport infrastructure received further attention during the visit. The Muli road construction project was formally launched, with Minister Muththalib officiating the commencement. Ibrahim Nazeem, Managing Director of the Road Development Corporation (RDC), was also in attendance.

Awarded to RDC at a contract value of USD 5.52 million, the project carries a completion timeline of 730 days. Upon completion, residents are expected to benefit from modern, high-quality road infrastructure.

Decentralising passport services

Public access to administrative services has also been expanded. In fulfilment of a presidential pledge, passport issuance services were inaugurated in Muli as part of a nationwide decentralisation effort. Homeland Security Minister Ihusaan officiated the launch during a meeting with local residents.

The initiative is part of President Muizzu’s broader policy to extend passport and national ID card services across all atolls. The national rollout began on 16 November 2024. With Muli’s inclusion, services are now operational in 15 atolls, in addition to centres in Malé, Hulhumalé Phase I and II, and Villimalé. Maldives Immigration has confirmed that the objective is to extend services to all atolls by year-end. The service has also been established in Malaysia, marking the first international deployment of passport and ID card issuance for Maldivians.

A presidential welcome

President Muizzu arrived in Muli on Monday to a warm reception from a large crowd gathered at the harbour, including heads of local institutions and members of the public. The visit forms part of a wider tour encompassing 31 inhabited islands across four atolls.