President Mohamed Muizzu has issued a new decree to identify key government projects to be undertaken for the public interest, removing the names of specific islands where these major developments were previously scheduled to take place.
The decree issued today omits the names of islands designated for airport development, causeway links, integrated tourism projects, and land reclamation initiatives that were featured in previous lists.
While the President’s decree issued on March 21 last year listed new airport projects for Haa Alif Dhidhdhoo, Haa Dhaal Makunudhoo, Shaviyani Komandoo, Shaviyani Milandhoo, Shaviyani Bileiyfahi, Raa Fainu, Raa Alifushi, Baa Thulhaadhoo, Alif Alif Mathiveri, Meemu Muli, Faafu Nilandhoo, Thaa Guraidhoo, and Thaa Vilufushi, these airports were not listed in the new decree.
Furthermore, the names of islands previously identified for the development of a second airport in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, the redevelopment of Kadhdhoo International Airport, a second airport in Laamu Atoll, an airport in Gaaf Alif Villingili, and an airport in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll have also been removed from the updated list.
The new decree also omits the names of Addu City and Laamu Gan, which were previously designated for integrated tourism projects. Additionally, major land reclamation sites such as Kaafu Fushidhiggaru Falhu, Kaafu Gulhifalhu, Kaafu Giraavaru Falhu, and Uthuru Thila Falhu are no longer named in the document.
Specific causeway projects previously listed—including links between Thaa Veymandoo and Kinbidhoo, Thaa Diyamigili and Madifushi, Laamu Hithadhoo and Kunahandhoo, Laamu Kalaidhoo and Dhanbidhoo, and Meemu Muli and Naalaafushi—have also been removed from the identified list of projects.
However, the government has added several new initiatives to the list of priority projects. These include the repair and upgrading of water production plants, the expansion and upgrading of water and sewerage systems, and the establishment of composting plants for biodegradable waste in 50 islands.
Additionally, projects to establish waste management centers (including civil works and equipment) in 10 islands and the development of waste transfer stations have been added to the list, though the specific islands for these projects remain unnamed.
The decree was issued in accordance with the requirement to annually publish a list of key government projects undertaken for public benefit—whether under economic, social, or other significant state policies—along with the minimum investment thresholds required from the parties contracted to execute them.
