President to Fulidhoo residents: Reclamation will proceed upon written endorsement

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on Friday, told V. Fulidhoo residents that the island’s land reclamation project will proceed upon documentation confirming that the initiative has the full support of residents. 

He made the remark while addressing Fulidhoo residents during a visit to the island, part of his eight-day 31-island tour.

In his address, the President highlighted the island’s land shortage, noting that no land plots had been issued for approximately 15 years.

He underscored the land reclamation of Fulidhoo, to be carried out concurrent with the harbour development project, as something strongly desired by the island’s residents.

“The assurance I want to give you is that, by will of Almighty, a project to add an additional 12 hectares of land to the island will be carried out as I have pledged, in order to resolve the most pertinent issue at hand for this island’s development,” he said.

However, the President stressed that the project cannot proceed without proper community endorsement. In this regard, he detailed that Fulidhoo Council must provide documentation confirming that the initiative has the full support of residents.

He recalled a recent case on another island where the government was forced to halt a land reclamation project after the community withdrew its support, even though the necessary agreements had already been signed.

President Muizzu is referring to the case of B. Dhonfanu.  Residents of Dhonfanu, have seen protesting since last week after the government scrapped a project to reclaim land in the island over widespread concerns over the potential damage to Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO biosphere reserve that lies nearby. The project was scrapped after intense criticism from environmental advocates over its implications for Hanifaru Bay, which is among the most important marine habitats in the Maldives.

Speaker further, the President, pointed out the island’s expanding local tourism industry, noting the community’s desire to protect the natural beauty of Fulidhoo’s lagoon and surrounding sea. He expressed his own support for ensuring that any land reclamation efforts preserve the island’s scenic charm. In this regard, he confirmed that reclamation work would commence next year, pending the community’s formal decision.

Acknowledging the island’s role in tourism and the need for improved access to foreign currency, the President announced plans to install a US dollar ATM by March of next year.

Turning to healthcare, he highlighted the Health Centre Extension Project, inaugurated during the visit, which will enhance services and eventually establish a 20-bed facility.

At the community meeting, the President also witnessed the signing of an agreement between the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation and Proxy Group Private Limited for the construction of a volleyball court. He added that work on a futsal ground would begin later this year.

As part of the visit, development projects at Fulidhoo harbour and the launch of Bank of Maldives ATM services were officially inaugurated.