The incumbent administration is to initiate the development of at least 20 resorts within this year, says President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The president said this during a meeting held with the residents of Madifushi island of Thaa atoll on Tuesday.

The meeting was held as part of his ongoing three-day tour of some islands of Thaa atoll.

Taking the podium at the event, the president announced that development projects for 20 resorts would be kicked off within 2024, which would consecutively benefit the entire nation.

Shedding light on his administration’s commitment to help the Madifushi community to achieve the development they have envisioned for their island, Muizzu noted that his administration would particularly prioritize developing the tourism industry.

Muizzu also detailed his plan to make the island nation a tempting tourism product that is self-sustainable and respected among foreign investors.

Urging the island council to prioritize development projects initiated on the island in order of significance, Muizzu assured the island community that he would prioritize the preferences conveyed by the councils in conducting development projects.

Further, he went on to detail the incumbent administration’s stance on decentralized governance and added that the government would empower councils and foster economic progress.

Speaking to the island resident, Muizzu stressed that the government seeks to financially empower councils by allowing councils to generate revenue from islands within its jurisdiction for greater fiscal autonomy.

Noting that arrangements for nearby islands to be brought under the jurisdiction of councils would foster fiscal autonomy, Muizzu shed light on the specifics of procuring land from distant atolls to ensure that these islands reap benefits.

Touching upon the incumbent administration’s priority to alleviate the housing situation across the country, Muizzu drew the spotlight on his administration’s plans to introduce loans.

The president state that work was also underway to improve the financial condition of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).

The meeting also saw residents of the island conveying their most pertinent needs to the president, including the need for road development, inadequate housing as well as the addition of Uhuriya and Kolhufushi under Madifushi jurisdiction.

The island residents stressed the need for coastal protection, clean drinking water provision as well as the swift expedition of ongoing development projects.

In addition to this, the island community proposed to connect Dhiyamigili and Madifushi via a causeway.

As part of the president’s ongoing Thaa atoll tour, he visited Guraidhoo first, followed by Dhiyamigili and Madifushi.