Several key development projects for Fuvahmulah City have been announced.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih made the announcement on Friday, during the ‘Maahefun’ – a special traditional feast to celebrate the fasting month of Ramadan each year – hosted by the First Couple as part of their ongoing visit to the south of Maldives.

The gathering was also joined by Vice President Faisal Naseem, who accompanies the First Couple during the visit.

The president extended gratitude to the residents of the southern city for their wholehearted welcome upon his arrival on Friday.

Assuring that his administration is committed to fulfil the development pledges made to the residents of Fuvahmulah during the presidential elections of 2018 as well as the parliamentary elections and local council election campaigns, President Solih shed light on the details of his development vision for the city.

As such, he noted that the city council has proposed to expand the airport, adding that the administration will consider the proposal after a technical survey is conducted to determine the extent to which the airport could be expanded.

The president went on to reveal plans to cater to housing needs of the city community and announced the construction of 200 housing units in the city as well as 200 more housing units which is currently in tender.

He went on to reveal that a second phase of road construction will begin as a continuation of the first phase of road construction in the city, which will see the road extended by 10 kilometers.

Going on to reveal that the new 50-bed hospital to be developed in the city will also offer specialty services for children and women, the president also touched down on plans to contract the harbor survey work to the company that had previously constructed the harbor in the city.

Friday’s event also saw the president sharing the latest information on key development projects planned in a bid to ease the difficulties residents including issues raised by the fisher community.

He also revealed plans to develop a public swimming pool and shared details of other projects that are currently underway in the city.

President Solih also reiterated his commitment to seek advice from the people and implement the government’s development initiatives to better serve the people.

Highlighting that the city is a designated biosphere reserve, the president noted that the development vision for the city will be in accordance with the commitment to protect the natural environment and ensure sustainability for future generations.

Also speaking at the event, VP Naseem shed light on the government’s constant efforts to nurture youth to improve the social fabric of the country, especially in the education sector.

The First Couple is on a four-day tour of the southernmost cities and is leading a delegation of Cabinet ministers and senior government officials. The trip will see President Solih sitting down with Island Council and Women's Development Committees (WDC) as well as island residents in Fuvahmulah and Addu.

The First Couple will also be touring important landmarks and development sited to observe the progress during the visit.

The new Drug Detoxification and Community Rehabilitation Center in Hulhumeedhoo district of Addu will also be inaugurated alongside the National Academy of Policing and Law Enforcement in Addu.

An agreement to increase plots of land, mobilize the road construction project in Addu City will also be signed.

Further, the harbors in Maradhoo and Meedhoo and Masjid Ibrahim Mosque in Hithadhoo will also be inaugurated during the trip.