Gov’t Committed to Providing Equal Access Services to All Citizens, Says President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to ensuring equal access to high-quality services for all citizens, regardless of location.

Addressing residents of Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, Maradhoo Feydhoo, and Feydhoo during his tour of Addu City, the President outlined key development priorities and pledged swift solutions to the city’s pressing challenges. He identified strengthening the power grid as the most urgent issue, announcing plans to expand Addu’s power capacity to 30 megawatts.

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The President also highlighted infrastructure and road development as essential for the city’s economic progress, stating that construction would be completed in a single phase to ensure efficiency. Acknowledging the shortage of employment opportunities in the region, he said new tourism projects would create jobs and reduce migration to Malé.

He assured the residents that the issues affecting the Hankede integrated tourism project will be resolved to advance the 1,000-bed development. The Asseyri project, he added, would further boost employment for Addu residents.

During the visit, 19 agreements were signed to support development across the four districts, alongside the inauguration of several projects. The President assured residents that all initiatives would be completed as part of his Administration’s wider effort to promote regional equality.

He also discussed planned initiatives under the 2026 budget, which include both campaign pledges and additional projects, some of which will be implemented in partnership with private companies. Agreements for 205 such projects are scheduled to be signed today.

President Muizzu further noted that progress is being made to settle outstanding contractor payments by the end of the month, thanking the public for their support and pledging to fulfil his Administration’s responsibilities with diligence.

Shangri-La Villingili Set to Reopen in December

According to the President’s Office, President Muizzu was briefed by the operators of Shangri-La Villingili Resort on the latest preparations for its reopening, scheduled for 31 December.  

During his visit as part of a tour of Fuvahmulah and Addu City, the resort’s management presented updates on refurbishment works, including renovations to water villas, restaurants, and decking areas, alongside extensive maintenance carried out during the closure, the President’s Office said.  

Shangri-La Villingili, a luxury resort featuring 284 beds, first opened in 2009 and has remained closed since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its reopening marks the return of one of the Maldives’ most prominent high-end destinations.  

Electricity, Infrastructure Top Agenda in Addu Council’s Meeting with President

During consultations with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the Addu City Council and local representatives identified electricity as the city’s most urgent issue, calling for a lasting solution to frequent outages. They also raised concerns over unstable water and sewerage systems, incomplete roadworks without proper lighting, and persistent flooding. Other requests included equalising fuel and material prices with Malé, increasing police presence, and fully operationalising the city’s cath lab. The Council further sought improvements to housing, airport services, and tourism development, including a dedicated tourist beach and support for the new Feydhoo tourism zone.