12 hectares of land to be reclaimed in Felidhoo: President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that 12 hectares of land will be reclaimed in Vaavu Atoll Felidhoo to address the island’s shortage of space.

Speaking to residents of Felidhoo last night as part of his tour of Vaavu atoll, the President said the government will begin the reclamation project early next year. He noted that the additional land would create opportunities for various developments on the island.

“The reclamation project in Felidhoo will begin early next year. This will create much needed space for the community and open up opportunities for different activities,” he said.

Alongside land reclamation, President Muizzu said that the government will prioritize education, sports, and health sectors this year.

He announced plans to add 14 new classrooms to Felidhoo School, with the project to be carried out jointly by the Education Ministry and the island council.

Highlighting his administration’s policy of decentralizing services, the President said arrangements have been made for ID card and passport services to be provided in island communities. ATMs are also being installed across islands to ensure equitable access to financial services, regardless of their population size.
"People from smaller populated islands and those in Male' should get equal services. Installing ATMs across islands will bring an end to people having to travel just to withdraw MVR 500."

“The government is mocked for this, but I firmly believe that every citizen, whether in Male' or the smallest island, deserves the highest quality services,” he said.

The President also outlined plans to expand the sea ambulance fleet and improve coverage to islands in Vaavu atoll where residents face difficulties in accessing emergency transport.

President Muizzu said his administration is working to prevent further deterioration of the economy, noting that citizens are already benefiting from measures such as reduced commodity prices. He  highlighted the government’s recent entry into the prescription glasses business, which he said has led private establishments to lower their prices.

The President further emphasized that his government does not act with political vendettas and respects judicial independence. He said neither he nor his officials have interfered with the judiciary to influence trials or verdicts.