Muizzu Pledges Sincere Public Service Throughout Five-Year Tenure
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has expressed his commitment to serving the public with sincerity throughout his five-year tenure, focusing on the needs of the people.
He made these remarks during an official Republic Day ceremony at Dharubaaruge.
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Muizzu observed that, often when leaders are elected, they prioritise defending their Government over serving the people. However, he emphasised that his focus will be on genuine public service during his time in office. He also announced plans to develop a national development master plan for the next 20 years, which will involve consulting citizens on their vision for the future of the Maldives. He stressed that he does not want the country’s development to be shaped solely by political agendas but by a collective effort that includes public participation.
Muizzu underscored the importance of a constitutionally-supported development plan created in collaboration with citizens, professionals, and stakeholders. He pledged to introduce a dedicated law to underpin this initiative and confirmed that work on this legislation is already underway. The aim, he stated, is to shape the country’s future in alignment with the aspirations of its people.
As part of this vision, Muizzu announced plans to establish two Integrated Development Zones in the northernmost and southernmost regions of the country, along with seven urban centres across the seven regions, designed to better serve the wider population.
Gov’t Unveils Plans for Nation’s First Cancer Hospital, Construction Starts 2025
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the construction of the country’s first cancer hospital will commence in 2025.
In his address during the Republic Day ceremony at Dharubaaruge, Muizzu highlighted that the cancer hospital would be a significant milestone in the nation’s healthcare sector. He emphasised that cancer treatment should not be an ancillary service within a general hospital but should instead be provided by a dedicated, comprehensive facility. While acknowledging that some had previously dismissed the need for such a hospital, he stressed its importance and assured that the project is progressing swiftly, with consultations with relevant partners already underway.
In addition to the cancer hospital, Muizzu reaffirmed his commitment to developing a mental health hospital in Laamu and a specialised facility for women and children in Hulhumale’.
Muizzu also outlined ongoing efforts to enhance the healthcare sector, including upgrades to Dharumavantha Hospital in Malé and Hulhumale’ Hospital, both of which are set to become tertiary-level institutions. These upgrades are expected to be completed by mid-November this year, enabling the hospitals to officially begin offering more advanced healthcare services.
Speaking of the transport sector, Muizzu highlighted significant progress made over the past year. He confirmed that by 2025, RTL services will be available across all provinces. He also assured that the development of economically viable and sustainable airports will continue in the coming years.
Recognising the importance of robust transport systems in national development, Muizzu noted efforts to strengthen the country’s road infrastructure. Acknowledging congestion in the capital, he pointed to various initiatives underway to address traffic issues. He further revealed that studies have begun on a project to modernise the roads in Malé and Villimalé, with work expected to commence soon.
Muizzu stated that 2025 is set to be a year of progress in connecting islands through the construction of bridges, facilitating easier travel and economic integration across the nation.
Muizzu Pledges to Advocate for Citizens’ Rights Amid Climate Challenges
Muizzu also pledged to advocate for citizens’ rights in the face of the critical challenges posed by climate change.
Muizzu made this commitment while addressing the nation during the official ceremony marking the Republic Day of the Maldives, where he focused on environmental issues and the impact of climate change.
Announcing his intention to attend the COP-29 summit in Azerbaijan, which begins today, Muizzu stated that he aims to secure compensation from those responsible for environmental destruction to address the harm caused.
Muizzu highlighted the country’s ecological fragility, emphasising the need for regional development. He also stressed the importance of recognising climate change as an undeniable reality.
He conveyed that the current Government has implemented several initiatives to protect the environment and advance the nation’s sustainable development goals. Muizzu reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to pursuing development sustainably and outlined key initiatives undertaken over the past year.
One such initiative includes the goal of increasing the share of eco-friendly and clean energy to 33 per cent of the nation’s total energy consumption. To achieve this, he noted that 15 MW of solar power has been generated over the past year, with a 164 MW solar power generation project currently in progress.
In his address, the President also mentioned that alongside ‘Magey Solar Project,’ 400,000 trees have already been planted, contributing towards the goal of planting 5 million trees to make the country greener. He further announced plans to establish a biosphere reserve on three additional islands, complementing the efforts in Baa Atoll.
Additionally, he highlighted that 17 islands have been designated for environmental conservation, with initiatives such as the installation of rubbish bins on these islands, the donation of special waste collection vehicles to 99 islands, and other waste management support.
Illegal Expatriates could Threaten National Independence, Says Muizzu
Muizzu has stated that if a permanent solution is not found for illegal expatriates, it could become a threat to the nation’s independence.
Referring to expatriates residing illegally in the Maldives, Muizzu acknowledged this long-standing issue has persisted across several Governments. Since taking office, however, his Administration has cracked down on illegal business operations run by expatriates and deported over 4,700 illegal residents – a record number for a single year. He stressed that without a permanent solution, this situation could develop into an internal threat to independence.
Addressing drug abuse, which he identified as the foremost threat to social harmony and peace, the President highlighted significant progress made over the past year. He noted that drug seizures have risen by 60 per cent compared to the previous year, and pledged to enhance capabilities further to combat negative social behaviours in the coming year.
He also noted successful road safety initiatives, which have led to a 33 per cent reduction in life-threatening accidents compared to the previous year.
Discussing security measures, he reported a successful year in maintaining law and order throughout the Maldives, including the full implementation of the Immigration Act. He promised that by end-2025, ID card and passport services would be accessible across all Maldivian atolls.
Furthermore, the President emphasised that his Government’s focus extends beyond merely constructing large buildings, stating that “true happiness comes from helping living beings.”
Muizzu acknowledged that upon taking office, he found society lacking in care and attention, which prompted the establishment of compassionate Government policies. Notable successes include the “Komme Kujjakah Aailaaeh” project, which has helped 34 children find homes, the “Haalu Kihineh?” programme, and initiatives to improve elderly citizens’ quality of life. Additionally, his Administration has ended the practice of institutionalising persons with disabilities and is creating employment opportunities for them.
He concluded by highlighting the ongoing “Madhadu” programme, which provides loans to support women’s empowerment.
