The government is to establish a development zone encompassing four northern atolls.

This was announced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during a meeting he held with residents of Hanimaadhoo island of Haa Dhaal atoll on Monday.

The president stated that the establishment of the development zone encompassing four northern atolls of the Maldives, will include population consolidated and prioritized islands.

Shedding light on the importance of enhancing regional development to achieve sustainable development, the president shared plans to establish eight development zones in the four northernmost and southernmost atolls.

Further noting that seven central regions in the central Maldives are slated for transformation into urban centers, the president highlighted that his administration’s development policy will prioritize individual islands even in the northernmost development zone, due to immigration.

As it falls within the four northernmost atoll development zones, the president highlighted that Hanimaadhoo Island is among the prioritized islands for population consolidation and development policies.

Shedding light on the ongoing airport development work, Muizzu highlighted that the airport needs to be developed in a more comprehensive manner.

He went on to announce plans to renegotiate with the loan provider to accommodate the runway extension by 700 meters.

Adding that the administration is committed to construct a state-of-the-art hospital on Hanimaadhoo Island, the president noted that the initiative is a significant component of his administration's broader regional development strategy.