President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has made a firm commitment to the construction of the Dh. Kudahuvadhoo Commercial Port, ensuring it will be operational during the current term of his administration. This pledge was made during his visit to the people of Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, as part of his comprehensive tour of all the inhabited islands of South Nilandhe Atoll.
An agreement was also signed to develop a commercial port at Dh. Kudahuvadhoo. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mr Mohamed Saeed, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of Maldives Ports Limited, Retd. Mohamed Rishwan.
The President described the Dh. Kudahuvadhoo Commercial Port project as a regionally viable initiative. With the signing of the agreement, he assured the people that the commercial port would be built and delivered as a fully operational facility within this term, with the will of Allah.
The President also highlighted the Government's efforts to develop Dh. Kudahuvadhoo. He noted that the Government is receiving excellent cooperation from the Bank of Maldives (BML) in realising the policy of bringing banking services closer to the people. Earlier today, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new BML branch building in Kudahuvadhoo was held. Speaking on this, the President assured that dollar ATM services would be available in Dh. Kudahuvadhoo by the end of 2025, in line with the aspirations of the people.
Addressing the development of infrastructure in Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, the President stated that the harbour project is one of the most critical initiatives. He emphasised that the expansion of harbour space is crucial for fishermen, traders, and the general public. He assured that work on the project would commence soon and would be completed to the standard expected by the people.
Dh. Kudahuvadhoo is one of seven urban centres being developed in different regions of the country. The President assured the community that WAMCO would begin providing waste management services on the island by the end of July this year.
Additionally, the President expressed his strong commitment to enhancing education and sports in Dh. Kudahuvadhoo. He assured residents that the long-awaited indoor sports complex would be commissioned this year. He stated that with the commencement of this project, the Government would have fulfilled its promises to Dh. Kudahuvadhoo. However, he also pledged to undertake further initiatives to develop the island as an urban centre, with the hospital project being one such initiative.
The President also addressed the housing challenges faced by the people of Dh. Kudahuvadhoo. He acknowledged the difficulties in constructing houses on land in different parts of the island. To address this, under the 500-housing unit project in Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, applications will be opened for the construction of three-bedroom houses on private land, while flats will be built for the remaining number of units.
The President noted that Dh. Kudahuvadhoo has been successful in population relocation. However, he acknowledged that some minor issues had arisen in the process. He reassured the community that these concerns would be addressed swiftly and effectively, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for residents.
Reaffirming his commitment to developing seven islands, including Kudahuvadhoo, as high-level urban centres under his vision for regional development, the President assured the community that this was not merely a pledge in name. He reiterated that he would not make promises to the people unless he had the determination, intention, and confidence to fulfil them.
The President concluded his speech by appealing to the people to focus on intellectual development.
