President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that a 30-megawatt power capacity will be established in Addu City to effectively address the city’s longstanding electricity issues.
Addressing residents of Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, Maradhoofeydhoo and Feydhoo of Addu City as part of his ongoing visit to Addu City, President Muizzu shared details of the development projects planned and underway in the city. He noted that funding for all projects has already been secured and allocated.
Dr Muizzu emphasised that several projects have been awarded to private companies following proper procedures. Projects for which practical work has been launched were commenced after careful preparation, he said, assuring residents that the projects will be completed as planned.
Highlighting electricity as the city’s most pressing issue, the President explained that previous attempts to resolve the problem, including the delivery of eight generator sets, had not provided a sustainable solution. The President revealed he has therefore decided to implement a major project to solve the problem by establishing 30 MW of electricity capacity. While administrative work has already commenced, the projects will be awarded within the next few days, he said. In addition to upgrading existing generators and power plants, the overall capacity will be improved, he said.
Speaking on the city’s road infrastructure, the President noted that road conditions pose a significant obstacle to economic activity. While road construction is essential for investors and daily users alike, the road development project will proceed without dividing them into additional phases, and will continue uninterrupted, he said.
The President said that under the regional development policy, four southern atolls including Addu City, will be integrated and developed as a dedicated development zone. Similar plans are also underway for the northern and central regions, he said, aiming to establish high-quality education, healthcare, jobs and housing, he noted.
Highlighting the importance of employment creation, the President noted that new employment opportunities will arise from the development of Gan International Airport and the expansion of the tourism sector, including Asseyri Tourism, the opening of Shangri-La and the Hankede project.
“The city was visited and feasibility studies conducted. I met with the Shangri-La Resort today to review the preparations for the opening. I was repeatedly assured that the project can be completed for 31 December. This will create additional job opportunities,” President Muizzu said.
Regarding the Hankede project, the President explained that while the project had been signed previously, funds were not arranged. The current government had attempted to salvage the project but failed, he said, adding that the contractor was then terminated according to relevant policies. The project has now been awarded to a Turkish company, which has 45 days to pay the acquisition cost. The project is expected to develop 3,000 tourism beds in its first phase, he said.
Numerous development projects were signed and launched across four islands of Addu City, covering infrastructure, education and community services.
Feydhoo
In Feydhoo, the President attended the groundbreaking ceremonies for the island’s Futsal Field as well as its new mosque with a capacity of 500 worshippers, to be developed by Fenaka Corporation Limited. The island’s road development project, contracted to the Road Development Corporation (RDC), was also commenced. Additionally, the island’s harbour development project, awarded to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) was officially launched.
As part of the visit, National Identity Card and Passport issuing service was inaugurated in Feydhoo. An agreement was signed for the establishment of water and sewerage services in Feydhoo’s reclaimed area, led by Male Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC). An agreement was also signed with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to develop 50 housing units in Feydhoo, as well as an agreement with Litus Company Pvt Ltd to establish a senior citizen centre on the island. Additional agreements included the development of a netball court, contracted to RDC, and the island’s Sports Complex, awarded to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
Maradhoofeydhoo
In Maradhoofeydhoo, the President inaugurated Bank of Maldives (BML)’s US Dollar ATM service. The foundation stone for the island’s Fitness and Recreation Centre, contracted to RDC, was also laid to coincide with the visit.
Agreements were signed for several projects, including the development of a swimming track, contracted to MTCC, and the establishment of a Maldives Islamic University (IUM) campus and student accommodation, contracted to Trusteng Maldives Pvt Ltd.
Maradhoo
In Maradhoo, agreements were signed for the development of Maradhoo Police Station, contracted to Amlog Private Limited, the construction of Maradhoo Health Centre’s new building, contracted to MTCC, and construction of multipurpose halls at Sharafuddin School and Maradhoo School, also awarded to MTCC.
Hithadhoo
In Hithadhoo, several projects were launched, including the development of a National Library branch, and the establishment of a Regional Operation Centre, both contracted to MTCC. Additionally, the groundbreaking for the Addu City Link Road redevelopment and other road development projects, contracted to RDC, was also held, alongside the construction of a new Police Station, contracted to Fenaka Corporation Limited. The President additionally inaugurated the newly established BML Service Centre in Hithadhoo.
As part of the visit, National Identity Card and Passport issuing service was inaugurated in Hithadhoo as well. Agreements were signed for the construction of 100 housing units in Hithadhoo, contracted to HDC; the development of a new Central Park in Hithadhoo, also awarded to HDC; the establishment of a Waqf building, contracted to Sas-E Company, the development of Addu City’s Youth Third Space, contracted to Centre Land Private Limited. Furthermore, the addition of 300 tourist beds under Asseyri Tourism, with Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) overseeing the project.