Land reclamation project in AA. Mathiveri to be included in budget for 2022

A land reclamation project for Mathiveri island in Alif Alif atoll is to be included in the budget for 2022.

This was revealed by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who met with the island community, council and WDC as part of his ongoing two-day tour of six islands in Alif Alif atoll, during which he was thanked by the council and WDC for the administration's efforts to expand development, no matter the size and population of the island.

The island council, Women's Development Committee (WDC) and community of Mathiveri island urged President Solih to initiate a land reclamation project in the island, in order to tackle issues of land scarcity to which the president responded by announcing the decision to include a land reclamation project in the budget for 2022.

He also revealed that the government will try to resolve the problems facing MTCC in carrying out land reclamation work.

The island council and WDC shed light on the need for an upgrade to the island’s Health Center where service hours also require to be increased. Further, he also expressed desire to introduce grades 11 and 12 at the Mathiveri School.

Going on to express the need for more sport facilities for the island's youth, as well as resolving the island's electricity situation, they requested to add ‘Mathiveri Finolhu’ to their jurisdiction.

President Solih noted that the expansion project of the island’s Health Center has already been placed in the state budget 2022 and added that discussions will be held with the relevant authorities to extend operational hours there.

He also shed light on the initiative to build 12 classrooms in the school which is currently undergoing the tender process, urging the councilors to meet with the education ministry to discuss the establishment of grades 11 and 12 in the island school.

Sharing the difficulties the WDC members face in carrying out their activities due to lack of space, the WDC also urged the speeding up of the completion of the meeting hall. President Solih stated that the administration will offer additional funding for the construction of the meeting hall.

During the visit, the president also toured the island’s health center and inquired the staff about operations and services there.

Mathiveri island is the president’s fourth destination in the trip, his first being Thoddoo, after which he travelled to Rasdhoo followed by Ukulhas island. A delegation of cabinet ministers and senior government officials accompany the president during the trip.