President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s ongoing four-day tour of South Thiladhunmathi Atoll has centred on a series of economic and infrastructure announcements, with housing, tourism development, and major public works featuring prominently in the government’s plans for the region.
One of the most significant commitments was made in Hirimaradhoo, where the President confirmed that permanent housing will be provided for all residents relocating to Hanimaadhoo, with construction expected to conclude within 18 months. The relocation plan will also include municipal infrastructure, with homeowners given the option of housing or financial compensation. Officials noted that compensation levels under the government’s population consolidation programme will be revised upwards.
In Hanimaadhoo, the President announced that 500 housing units will be contracted next month, alongside road development, a new police station, and a 30-bed hospital. He also pledged that dialysis services would begin before the end of this year. At the same time, he confirmed that the long-delayed Hanimaadhoo International Airport would be expedited, with the government targeting full operational readiness by November. The President added that a Bank of Maldives counter and a US dollar ATM would be introduced at the airport, while the Council will begin issuing passports and national identity cards locally.
The tour has also placed a clear emphasis on expanding tourism opportunities in the atoll. In Naivaadhoo, President Muizzu confirmed that the Maldives Tourism Development Corporation will begin long-delayed work on Naagoashi, with the government providing support to turn South Thiladhunmathi into a tourism destination. Several lagoons in the region have also been allocated for tourism, with regulatory adjustments to attract investors.
Infrastructure projects have featured across the islands. In Finey, the President pledged to revise and complete the harbour development in line with residents’ input, while in Naivaadhoo and Nolhivaranfaru, new agreements were signed for land reclamation, coastal protection, harbour expansions, and road works. Nolhivaranfaru also saw the official handover of 100 housing units, while plans were set in motion for waste management operations to be introduced within five months.
Energy and healthcare needs were also recurring themes. Councils across Naivaadhoo, Nellaidhoo, Nolhivaran, and Nolhivaranfaru raised concerns about power shortages and healthcare limitations, prompting commitments for new generators, health centre upgrades, and hospital projects. In Nolhivaran, the President said the government would develop a 30-bed hospital and waive fees on agricultural plots to ease the burden on farming families.
The visits have drawn attention to the scale of investment being directed to the northern atolls, where development has often lagged behind other regions. While many of the initiatives announced are still at the agreement or planning stage, the government has linked them to its broader sustainable development agenda.
As the President continues his tour of 13 inhabited islands in South Thiladhunmathi, the focus has remained on housing, tourism, and infrastructure – key sectors that residents have repeatedly identified as priorities for improving livelihoods and strengthening local economies.
