Pres vows completion of initiatives in Hinnavaru

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday, has vowed to complete all delayed projects in Lhaviyani atoll Hinnavaru.

While ensuring to protect the rights of Hinnavaru people, Dr. Muizzu highlighted the delayed nature of several urban development projects. He said that the island, from which former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih hails, has been veiwed as a "private property of few individuals".

Dr. Muizzu assured he will not discriminate towards Hinnavaru or its people, regardless of speculation by opposition.

"I do not resort to malpractice, for me every Maldivian citizen is an equal regardless of their political opinion. For me, their political leanings are not consequential," he said.

He noted the delays in Hinnavaru housing project, and said it was because the previous government failed to pay contractors on time. Dr. Muizzu said the previous regime owed MVR 9 billion to pending invoices of contractors for multiple projects across the country.

President Dr. Muizzu said the current government was settling outstanding amounts to the contractors. He said that projects, currently on hold, will resume once the state finalizes payment to contractors.

He said both the housing and finance ministries were working to settle outstanding payments tied to Hinnavaru housing initiative.

The president affirmed the housing project will resume within the current year.

"This island is among those that on top priority list, in terms of population, for our national-scale infrastructure development plans," Dr. Muizzu added.

While Dr. Muizzu is currently touring the Maldives, which he started from the north and is currently making his way to south, opposition MDP's former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has begun his tour to campaign for the party's candidates in the upcoming parliamentary election.

At the run-off presidential election in 2023, the former president emerged as the victor against current president Dr. Muizzu in Hinnavaru constituency.