Highlighting the significance of transportation as a key aspect in the development of North Maalhosmadulu Atoll, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that R. Atoll would be the next destination to launch Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry services. The President made the commitment whilst speaking with the residents of Un’goofaaru Island. In this regard, the President pledged to begin RTL ferry services in R. Atoll before the end of June and in B. Atoll before the end of July 2025.
Emphasising the Administration’s efforts to develop Un’goofaaru Island as an Urban Centre, the President assured that the development of Un’goofaaru Island as an Urban Centre holds significance within the mid-to-long-term plans of the National Development Master Plan, as the island would provide exceptional services in all sectors.
In that regard, the President assured that despite the current setbacks, the government would complete the reclamation project of Un’goofaaru Island as he had pledged, as soon as the weather permits. He further announced the development of a housing project for 500 housing units. He also vowed to bring the required development to the education sector. He revealed that the development of the Urban Centre on the island would enable educational development to allow for single-session schooling. He further assured that the government would ensure top-quality health services as part of a three-year plan to elevate Un’goofaaru Island Hospital to tertiary standards.
The President revealed that the Administration’s non-discriminatory policy on its citizens and islands would ensure accountability, through which the Government would accommodate the needs of R. Atoll as well. Despite not being included among the islands in his visit, the President revealed that efforts to establish a Bank of Maldives (BML) branch on Dhuvaafaru Island are underway and that the facility would become operational within the month of June.
The President also emphasised the Government’s vision for tackling some key national issues. In that regard, the President underscored the Administration’s commitment to freeing the country from the treachery of corruption and bribery. Referring to his recent visit to Estonia, the President revealed the Administration’s commitment to digitalise all public services through a single-window system. He added that the necessary laws would be devised to cater for the change, under which the Government intends to minimise human interaction by digitalising services as much as possible, which the President believes would contribute to reducing systematic corruption.
The President clarified key aspects related to the Government’s recent decision to amend laws related to the use, consumption, and sale of tobacco products. He added that the Administration’s intentions for the change were not intended to facilitate undue advantages for any parties but rather to seek a practical path to discourage unhealthy habits through a preventive approach. President Dr Muizzu urged the island community to unite and bring an end to tobacco use altogether. The President, accompanied by a high-level delegation including Cabinet Ministers, would directly meet with local councils, Women’s Development Committees (WDCs), and institutional heads in the islands to discuss key developmental priorities.