President Muizzu said that by ensuring regional development in line with the 20-year master plan for the development of the Maldives, the people of the sparsely populated islands will start voluntarily migrating to developed regions.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that with regional development in line with the 20-year master plan for the development of the Maldives, the people of the sparsely populated islands will start voluntarily migrating to developed regions.
Speaking at a meeting held to meet the residents during his visit to Gaafu Alifu atoll Villingili, the President said that all people are equal to him. He will not discriminate even if an island has 100 people or 3,000 people in its population.
"I love everyone equally. All people are important to me. No matter if it's an island with a population of 100 people or an island with 3,000 people," he said.
He, however, stressed the need for regional development to ensure sustainable development in the country.
The President said that to develop Maldives in a sustainable manner, the region should be developed uniformly. Therefore, regional development is important, and by doing so, all people will be able to develop equally in the future, he said.
He said that even with regional development, the services required by the people of each island will continue to be provided. For example, he said the development of a football stadium and harbor would be carried out.
"That way, [as a regional development center], in this atoll, this island [Villingili] can be developed. Then the people of small islands will migrate and settle down of their own free will," the President said.
President Muizzu said that moving from sparsely populated islands to specific developed regions would provide a sustainable solution in terms of income. Even in the long-term, education and health will progress, he said.
"I believe, in a geographically dispersed island nation, long-term development can be achieved in this way. We will ensure to do what is required by all the islands. But even in doing so, we will be developing dedicated regional hubs," the President said.
He said that the development of various regions in the country is part of his 20-year master plan. Therefore, the solutions brought today will also provide long-term solutions, he said.
President Dr @MMuizzu met with the residential community of GA. Vilin'gili Island, where he assured them of the Administration's commitment to meet their desired development goals. The meeting was held at the GA. Atoll Education Centre. pic.twitter.com/XutrqkBqUV
— The President's Office (@presidencymv) February 22, 2024
- Develop the airport to international standards
- Reclamation of additional land and allocation of land plots from the reclaimed area
- Expand regional tourism
- Conclude harbor project
- Commence the development of an atoll hospital
President Muizzu has assured to fulfill all promises made during the presidential election campaign. During the meeting attended by the President, the agreement for Villingili International Airport was signed.
The airport development project was awarded to Belgium's NV Besix SA.
The initiative also includes investing in and developing an integrated tourism zone in Gaafu Alifu atoll along with the development of the airport. According to a video presentation released by the government, the investment is estimated to be between USD 500-750 million.
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