President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the highly anticipated road construction project in Thulusdhoo, Kaafu Atoll will commence by January at the latest, promising a swift acceleration of development initiatives for the island.
The President made the pledge while addressing a community meeting with Thulusdhoo residents during his visit to the island on Tuesday as part of his ongoing tour of three islands of the Atoll, emphasising his administration's commitment to the swift delivery on his pledges.
Speaking to the community, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the road construction as the most critical undertaking, aiming to begin work even before the end of this year, though guaranteeing its start by early next year.
He underscored the profound importance of improved road infrastructure for the island's approximately 1,800 residents.
Beyond the road network, President Dr Muizzu outlined a comprehensive development agenda for Thulusdhoo. This includes providing land from the dredged area and initiating a housing project in the island. He also confirmed that a population consolidation project would be carried out, aligning with requests from the residents. Further enhancing the island's facilities, a modern football stadium and a new harbour on the west side of Thulusdhoo are slated for inclusion in next year's state budget.
Addressing financial services, the President announced that efforts to establish a branch of the Bank of Maldives (BML) and introduce Dollar ATM services in Thulusdhoo would begin early next year.
During the visit, President Dr Muizzu officially inaugurated the newly developed State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) reverse osmosis (RO) water production plant and the new State Utility Skills Academy in Thulusdhoo, before witnessing the groundbreaking on a new police station, power station renovation project and the new 30-bed hospital on the island.
He also attended the ceremonies held to sign the contracts to award waste management services in Thulusdhoo to Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO) and the project to construct a new building for the Kaafu Atoll Educational Centre on the island.
Despite the rather packed schedule, President Dr Muizzu took time out to meet with the Thulusdhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities.
Council members discussed the island’s main development priorities and requested updates on the ongoing road and harbour development, and housing projects targeted for youth. They expressed their appreciation to the President for initiating several major projects in the island.
The council also outlined additional priorities, including asphalt paving on the roads, the establishment of a modern waste management facility, and the development of the western harbour. Further requests included opening a branch of the Bank of Maldives (BML), installing turf on the football field, and introducing higher secondary education on the island at the earliest opportunity.
President Dr Muizzu assured that the concerns raised would be duly addressed.
Thulusdhoo was the final stop of the President’s two-day visit that included all inhabited islands in Lhaviyani Atoll and three islands in Kaafu Atoll.
With Tuesday’s visit to Thulusdhoo, President Dr Muizzu has now visited all 187 inhabited islands and cities of the Maldives within the first one year and eleven months of his Administration - making him the first Head of State to visit every inhabited island in the Maldives in record time.