Development projects in B. Maalhos progressing at a snail's pace, harbor project will remain unfinished even by the end of this five-year term: MDP National Congress President for Hithaadhoo constituency

Ayathulla Hussain, President of the MDP National Congress for the Hithadhoo constituency, has criticized the slow pace of development projects in B. Maalhos, stating that they are moving at a "snail's pace." He further expressed concern that the island's harbor project would remain unfinished even by the end of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's five-year term.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Vaudhunaama" program, Ayathulla stated that during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, essential development projects prioritized by the public progressed rapidly, including efforts to upgrade the harbor to modern standards. However, he noted that since the change in government, these projects have slowed to a snail's pace.

Referring to President Muizzu’s pledge last year to complete the harbor project swiftly, Ayathulla stated that the work would remain unfinished even by the end of the current presidential term.

It has been more than two years since the harbor project commenced, yet the work remains unfinished. President Muizzu visited and pledged to complete it within the coming year. However, even if the project is finalized by the end of his term, President Muizzu should not take credit for it. This was an initiative directly launched by the MDP administration. Many residents now agree that had the MDP government not initiated the harbor project, they would not have received it at all.

Ayathulla Hussain, President of the MDP National Congress Hithadhoo constituency

President Muizzu assured that the long-delayed harbor project in Maalhos will proceed without further setbacks. He made these remarks during a meeting with the island's residents on August 14, 2025, as part of his official visit to Baa Atoll.

President Muizzu stated that the issue of the Maalhos harbor is a top priority he had pledged to resolve, assuring that his administration will complete the project. He further noted that while the harbor renovation had faced delays in the past, there would be no further setbacks under his leadership.

The Maalhos harbor was destroyed during the devastating tsunami that struck the Maldives in December 2004. The harbor had originally been constructed in 1999 through the generous assistance of a private benefactor.

The project for the renovation of Maalhos harbor and the protection of its shoreline was awarded to MTCC on March 1, 2023. The total value of the project is MVR 69.47 million. MTCC was contracted to complete the project within a duration of 450 days.

Furthermore, Ayathulla expressed concern over the stagnation of development projects in Maalhos.

Ayathulla stated that despite Maalhos having a small population, the current progress is far below what the island deserves. Highlighting that projects must proceed as promised by President Muizzu, Ayathulla noted that although the physical work for the health center expansion has officially commenced, no progress has been made beyond erecting a signboard and fencing off the area. Furthermore, Ayathulla pointed out that while the construction of the police station could be completed within six months, that project is also failing to move forward at an acceptable pace.