President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with the Fuvahmulah City Council, the Women's Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to deliberate on the most significant issues raised by the community.
During the meeting, held at Kurudhumaa Maalan in the Fuvahmulah City Council, council members outlined the city's key development needs. As a top priority, they highlighted the urgent need to resolve ongoing problems with essential utility services, particularly water and electricity. The Council specifically requested intervention to address frequent water cuts and the establishment of reliable facilities for testing the safety of drinking water. They also noted that power cuts are occurring due to insufficient electricity capacity and requested a resolution before the month of Ramadan. Furthermore, they raised concerns about the challenges caused by the current powerhouse being located in a residential area, urging the expedited completion of the new powerhouse under construction and the prompt relocation of operations there.
The Council also emphasised the importance of completing the planned office complex, noting that the building is vital for consolidating all Government offices – which are currently scattered – under one roof.
Recognising Fuvahmulah’s growing tourism industry, the Council requested the establishment of a formal mechanism to allocate a specific percentage of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST) revenue generated from the city to the Council. They also proposed that the City Hotel project, currently managed by the Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL), proceed in collaboration with the Fuvahmulah Local Council Authority.
Additional concerns raised by the Council included the airport expansion project, improved waste management and disposal, and the replacement of non-operational vehicles at the waste management site. They also discussed the pressing need for housing solutions and requested that the Council be allocated an uninhabited island from a nearby atoll.
Furthermore, the Council requested that all projects which commenced practical work in Fuvahmulah today be completed without interruption, assuring the President of their full cooperation and support for all Government initiatives.
The President addressed the issues raised by the Council, while attending Ministers and heads of State-Owned Enterprises provided comprehensive updates on the progress of ongoing projects in the city.
