President’s assurance to Landhoo residents: Next visit will be to mark completion of projects

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on Tuesday, has assured N. Landhoo residents that all pledges he had made for the island will be fulfilled with special attention.

The President visited Landhoo this morning as part of his ongoing four-day tour of Noonu Atoll.

Speaking with residents of the island, President Muizzu revealed that efforts were already underway to extend the services of the island’s health centre to 24 hours as pledged, including recruiting staff.

He affirmed the government’s cooperation in matters other than this as well.

The President also highlighted initiatives to promote fitness and sports, noting that the development of handball is a priority for many islands, including Landhoo. Funding for the construction of handball courts would be allocated in the 2026 budget, he added.

Commenting on environmental concerns, he stated that coastal erosion and the development of a designated beach area will be addressed in the seventh phase of planned projects. Agreements for these initiatives are expected to be signed in September, with construction likely to begin in November or December this year.

The President also spoke regarding ongoing efforts to develop N. Landhoo School, pledging to allocate the necessary resources and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving education on the island.

He noted that the construction of an ice plant in Landhoo is expected to be completed within the year. Meanwhile, he said work on the island’s water networks will also commence, with the President expressing confidence that these initiatives will be completed ahead of his next visit to the island.

“I want to assure you of our commitment to carry forth all these works with special attention. My next visit to this island will be once they are complete, to celebrate its completion together with you all,” he said.

The President kicked off his four-day tour of Noonu Atoll on Monday. While speaking to residents of the Noonu Atoll islands he had affirmed his commitment to ensure the fulfillment of pledges he had made respectively.

Earlier this year, during visits to other atolls, the President also remarked that his next visit to the islands will be to celebrate the completion of completion.

Notably, there have been concerns regarding stalled projects nationwide since the current administration assumed office. However, President Muizzu has described the ongoing year and the next as years of development, which will see the implementation and completion of many projects.

The current administration has defended its position, arguing that the budget approved by the 19th parliamentary assembly—dominated by now-opposition MDP—lacked adequate funding for essential projects, while some initiatives were allocated more funds than required.

Opposition MDP has criticized the government for its continued failure to implement projects even with the budget passed by the ongoing 20^th parliamentary assembly, where ruling PNC holds supermajority.

Finance Ministry statistics show a significant decline in spending on PSIP projects. Although MVR 12.4 billion was allocated for PSIP in this year’s budget, only MVR 1.5 billion had been spent as of June 12—compared to MVR 4.8 billion during the same period last year.