President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s recent tour of South Miladhunmadulu Atoll included several announcements tied to economic infrastructure and local development, with updates focusing on transport access, land use, fisheries, and public utilities.
In Velidhoo, the President confirmed plans to establish a seaplane platform, expected to be operational by January 2026. This is intended to improve logistics and support the island’s tourism-related businesses. Sea ambulance services are also slated to begin early next year, with vessels to be stationed on the island.
Work has commenced on land reclamation for a designated boatyard in Velidhoo. Additionally, concerns raised by residents over the island’s harbour are being reviewed for technical feasibility, with any required modifications to be budgeted for in an upcoming cycle if not accommodated this year.
In Landhoo, the long-delayed construction of an ice plant is expected to be completed within the year. The facility is seen as critical infrastructure for strengthening the local fisheries value chain and improving cold storage capabilities.
Maalhendhoo is set to see the start of coastal protection works and a new western jetty project in August. According to the President, designs have been completed and the Environmental Impact Assessment process is nearing conclusion. A land reclamation project aimed at easing land scarcity and supporting housing and economic activities has been proposed for inclusion in the 2026 State Budget.
Fodhdhoo’s harbour development project is now underway after years of delays. The President also announced a plan to allow the island council to generate income through a management arrangement for the protected Fodhdhiparu lagoon, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and other agencies. This would mark a shift toward more localised revenue-generation models tied to environmental and marine assets.
In Miladhoo, coastal protection and road development works are scheduled to commence in August. The government stated that the coastal project will be designed to support future land reclamation and maintain access for beach-based activities, aligning with potential future tourism or commercial use.
Magoodhoo’s water and sewerage project, which had been delayed, has now been restructured between multiple state-owned enterprises, with MWSC managing procurement and Fenaka overseeing implementation. Coastal protection works are also expected to begin in the coming months.
Several of the economic infrastructure projects discussed across these islands, including harbours, jetties, land reclamation, and utility services, are part of a broader development agenda that the government says will be formalised in a round of contract signings scheduled for September.
