Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC) coalition's candidate and Malé City Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has shared the vision of his 20-year master plan to develop the Maldives.
Dr. Muizzu, while speaking to his supporters on Saturday evening, September 16, said that the development and progress for the Maldives can only be achieved through a regional development concept and anything else would not work.
"Maldives will achieve sustainable development only by developing the north, south, and central areas. We promise to deliver all the necessary developmental projects to each island based on their constituents' needs. We will deliver without discrimination," Dr. Muizzu said while speaking at the campaign rally in Haa Dhaalu atoll Nolhivaranfaru.
Dr. Muizzu highlighted the importance of regional development for the Maldives to achieve mid-term and long-term progress.
He said that the development of Nolhivaranfahu was instrumental in achieving this vision.
Speaking at Nolhivaranfaru, Dr. Muizzu shared the vision of a 20-year master plan for the Maldives' development.
He added details of the master plan was included in his campaign manifesto, and said the plan would be legally enforced.
"This involves proposing a national development plan with the support and feedback of local councils. The plan would be implemented after creating and enacting specific laws that would give the plan legal authority and protection," Dr. Muizzu added.
"This is a plan encompassing the true progressive vision of the Maldivian public."
The opposition coalition's candidate also noted that regardless of regime change, national development efforts would proceed according to the law.
"God willing, we will develop the nation according to this. We would provide the progress needed by the public, and God willing, the people would get to witness a just government that listens to them and delivers to their needs," Dr. Muizzu said.
Dr. Muizzu announced his plan to designate Nolhivaranfaru as a regional development hub, and pledged several projects for the island and the region on Saturday evening.
The island of Nolhivaranfaru is the 13th largest in the Maldives in terms of land area. With a population of 1,130, it covers a total land area of 171.2 hectares. Additionally, the communities of Haa Dhaalu atoll Maavaidhoo, Faridhoo, and Kunburudhoo were relocated to this island as part of the internal migration policy.
Speaking to the people of Nolhivaranfaru, Dr. Muizzu highlighted the island's strategic importance under his government, and said the island had a prospective future.
"This is a very important island. We can execute multiple developmental projects here," Dr. Muizzu said.
- Modern harbor
- Asphalt laying on the roads
- Modern football ground
- Sports complex
- New school
- Upgraded healthcare facility
Dr. Muizzu also pledged to enhance local tourism activities in Nolhivaranfaru. He emphasized that the 14-hectare land that was previously allocated for a training resort had been "lost" to the public, but he assured the community that he would work to reclaim it and ensure that tourism activities benefit the island.
"Population increment and migration can be enhanced by procuring the needed facilities. Initiatives in larger islands would be huge investments, which would help to achieve sustainable progress for the Maldives," Dr. Muizzu said.
"The developmental projects for the island can be achieved through a regional developmental concept. We promise to develop every island, but Maldives would not progress without a regional developmental concept."
In addition to making pledges for the island, Dr. Muizzu also promised to establish a designated ministry to enforce local councils.
He made the pledge while speaking at Haa Dhaalu atoll Finey, where Dr. Muizzu said the public wished for a government that handled the country's affairs with the direct involvement and feedback of the people.
"Not just funding from grants, but through the state as well. So, we would witness the works of strengthened council bodies," Dr. Muizzu added.
He echoed the sentiments at the rally in Haa Alifu atoll Maarandhoo as well, and said his government would extend discretions to the council authorities to enforce local communities.
"I have worked on both sides, the government and the council, so I know how to link the two. The councils will operate parallel with the government through the budgetary provisions from the state," the PPM/PNC coalition candidate added.
During his current campaign trail to upper-northern atolls ahead of the runoff polls, Dr. Muizzu visited Nellaidhoo, Naavaidhoo, and Hirimaradhoo as well. Dr. Muizzu made pledges to each of these islands during his visits.
"Five years have passed, and the public is in a state of despair. We are committed to overcoming this despair and advancing development in line with the people's wishes," Dr. Muizzu said.
Dr. Muizzu said that both Haa Alifu and Haa Dhaalu atolls wanted economic progress. He pledged that his government has a plan to provide this progress for the region, and highlighted his tourism policies for the atolls.
The opposition coalition candidate promised additional tourist resorts to the atolls, and provide support to boost local tourism activities in the islands.
Speaking about the runoff polls, Dr. Muizzu said the public had a crucial decision to make on September 30, where they will decide to pick a government with a definite plan or choose a state of confusion once more.
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