President Dr Mohamed Muizzu returned to Malé on Wednesday after completing a three-day tour of all 11 inhabited islands of Laamu (Hadhdhunmathi) Atoll. He met Island Councils, WDCs and residents to discuss development needs, accompanied by Cabinet ministers and SOE heads who briefed communities on ongoing and upcoming projects.
The President launched multiple development initiatives across the atoll, covering housing, health, education, infrastructure, social welfare and financial services. Despite some ceremonies being postponed due to bad weather, he assured all projects would proceed as scheduled.
Key highlights included:
- Air Connectivity: Feasibility works for a second airport in the atoll; Kadhdhoo Airport to be upgraded to international standard within three years.
- Social Welfare: From January 2026 – single mother allowance to increase to MVR 3,000 per child and a new MVR 1,000 monthly allowance for Thalassaemia patients.
- Police Services: Pledge fulfilled – police services now established in all inhabited islands nationwide.
- Referendum Neutrality: Reiterated the Government’s neutral stance on Saturday’s referendum in Addu (Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, Feydhoo).
- Emphasised inclusive, community-focused development.
Major Island-Specific Announcements
Isdhoo & Kalaidhoo
- New 30-bed joint hospital to begin this year, with additional doctors funded in the 2026 budget.
- Funding in 2026 budget for sanitation network; main road already under modernisation.
- Kalaidhoo–Dhan’bidhoo 1km causeway construction begins.
- Funding allocated for school upgrades, sports facilities, and a new generator.
- Heritage centre to preserve cultural history.
- ATM services inaugurated, achieving full ATM coverage in all inhabited islands of the atoll.
- Kalaidhoo Harbour development agreement signed.
Gan
- MVR 211M allocated to increase single mother allowance; MVR 11.7M for thalassaemia allowance.
- Police services now active across all islands; police stations to be established in 130 islands this year.
- 300 housing units for Gan; MVR 8.45M to compensate relocated residents.
- Gasgandhu Finolhu resort project signed, with more tourism projects planned.
Mundoo
- Harbour development funding to be included in the upcoming budget.
- Planned upgrades include sports facilities, health centre labs, and school air-conditioning.
- Mundoo School to receive new tiling, furniture, and building refurbishment.
Maabaidhoo
- Health Centre to offer 24/7 services from next year; additional staffing in 2026 budget.
- Work to proceed on BML ATM, ice plant, Centre for the Holy Qur’an, and Fitness & Recreation Centre despite weather delays.
- New generator, and Police Station to begin this year.
- Agreements signed for shore protection, Laamu Atoll School multipurpose hall, and football ground development.
Dhan’bidhoo
- Road development to begin once sewerage network solution is implemented.
- Agreement signed to develop island roads.
- Works to proceed on ATM services, health centre expansion, police station, and fitness centre.
- 500-capacity mosque and sea ambulance confirmed for this year.
- 2026 budget to include education and sports projects.
Hithadhoo
- Health Centre to be elevated to hospital level, extension project commenced.
- Government prioritising health sector human resources next year.
- ATM services launched; works started on BML branch, fitness centre, police station, volleyball court, and Hithadhoo–Kunahandhoo Causeway.
- Agreements signed for football stadium, road upgrades, and ice plant; school multipurpose hall to start this year.
Kunahandhoo
- Road development project will include a permanent flood-mitigation solution.
- Shore protection to include a designated community swimming zone.
- School project progressing under Fenaka.
- Residents expressed appreciation — first visit by a sitting President since 1978.
Fonadhoo
- Council requested Gaadhoo to be brought under Fonadhoo jurisdiction.
- Need for a hospital, school completion, bunkering services, and public service equipment highlighted.
- Youth requested a western jetty for easier access.
Kadhdhoo
- Kadhdhoo Airport to be developed within 36 months; 144 hectares to be reclaimed (including 30 hectares for Fonadhoo).
- Airport works to proceed without relocating MNDF.
- Agreements signed for MNU campus & language school, harbour development, road Phase III, sports complex, and land reclamation.
- 50-bed hospital planned with Saudi Fund support.
- Transhipment harbour contractor to be selected soon.
Maamendhoo
- Five-star resort + hotel school in Hulhimendhoo to create tourism and training opportunities.
- Agreements signed for harbour, land reclamation, shore protection, and roads.
- New Council Secretariat foundation stone laid.
- Health centre lab services launched.
- Police Station to start this year; 2026 budget to fund school and sports projects.
