By Gulhi, Maldives – President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has assured the people of Gulhi that the ongoing dredging project will not cease until the bond wall is erected and the reclaimed soil is laid, reaffirming his commitment to fulfilling the island’s developmental aspirations. The President gave this assurance during his visit to Gulhi as part of his ongoing tour to engage with councils across the nation.
Highlighting the delays under the previous administration, President Muizzu noted that while the land reclamation agreement had been signed, no budget was allocated to implement the project. “The fact that the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) team is now actively working in Gulhi signifies that progress will not stall as it did before,” he said. The President also emphasized that the project will proceed as envisioned by the local council without further alterations.
Addressing the issue of port congestion faced by Gulhi, the President stated that the decision to either expand the existing port or construct a new one would be made in consultation with the island council and the Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. He stressed the importance of making decisions that align with the island’s economic needs and sought technical input to explore possible solutions to the port canal issue through the ongoing dredging works.
The President also acknowledged concerns regarding land allocated for local tourism, which has yet to benefit the island. He assured the residents that if a review by the Attorney General’s Office, Ministry of Tourism, and the island council deems it necessary, the agreement could be terminated to better serve the island’s interests.
Further priorities outlined by President Muizzu include addressing delays in education sector projects, increasing the capacity of Gulhi’s healthcare facilities, and finding solutions to mosque overcrowding and waste management challenges. He reiterated that these initiatives have been included in this year’s national budget, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Gulhi’s residents.
President Muizzu’s visit to Gulhi marks the beginning of a series of engagements with councils across the Maldives to better understand and address local challenges. This proactive approach aims to ensure that development projects are aligned with the aspirations and needs of local communities.