President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to ensuring equal access to high-quality services for all citizens, regardless of where they reside.
He made the statement while addressing residents of Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, Maradhoo Feydhoo, and Feydhoo on Wednesday evening, as part of his ongoing tour of Addu City. Speaking at a meeting held at Addu High School, the President outlined the Administration’s development plans for the city, assuring swift solutions to key challenges. He noted that numerous development projects are already underway, in addition to the pledges made during the election campaign.
The President highlighted the power grid as the most pressing issue in Addu, adding that a comprehensive solution would be pursued. In this regard, he added that the Administration aims to increase the city’s power capacity to 30 megawatts, stressing that this target remains a priority.
Infrastructure and road development were identified as the next major challenges, with the President noting that inadequate roads have hindered Addu’s economic growth. He assured that road construction would be carried out and completed in a single phase to maximise efficiency.
Acknowledging that a lack of job opportunities has been a major factor driving citizens to migrate to Malé, the President said that new employment prospects would be created in Addu City in the near future. He added that upcoming tourism ventures in the city would generate additional jobs for residents.
The President noted that operators have committed to reopening the currently closed Shangri-La Resort this year. He also confirmed that issues affecting the Hankede project would be resolved, paving the way for the 1,000-bed integrated tourism project, while the Asseyri project would further contribute to local employment opportunities.
During the ceremony, 19 agreements were signed to advance development initiatives across Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, Maradhoo Feydhoo, and Feydhoo. Several projects were also inaugurated during the President’s visit to Addu. The President assured that all initiatives would be completed, emphasising their importance for the city’s growth.
President Dr Muizzu discussed planned initiatives under the 2026 budget, describing them as a combination of campaign pledges and additional development projects. Some of these initiatives will be implemented with the support of private-sector companies, with agreements for 205 such projects scheduled to be signed on Thursday.
The President also noted that significant progress is being made in settling pending payments to contractors, with completion expected by the end of the month. He expressed his gratitude to the public and reiterated that he will honour their trust and fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to his Administration with diligence.