Construction of MNU campus in Eydhafushi halts, turning site into a breeding ground for mosquitoes
7 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ހުކުރު 10:14Residents of Eydhafushi are expressing grave concern as construction on the local Maldives National University (MNU) campus has ground to a halt, leaving excavated sites flooded and creating hazardous breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Critics have slammed the project as a mere "political stunt" timed for the recent elections, directing sharp criticism at the constituency's Member of Parliament while the public continues to demand an immediate resumption of the work.
Construction of the MNU campus in Eydhafushi has come to a standstill. | Social Media
Construction of the Maldives National University (MNU) campus in B. Eydhafushi has come to a standstill, leading to concerns over stagnant water and mosquito breeding in the excavated foundation area.
Many residents of the island are expressing their concerns, labeling the project a "political gimmick" aimed at influencing voters ahead of the election.
In a video shared on social media, a member of the public noted that despite more than two years passing since the project's inception, no practical work has been carried out. The individual highlighted that the only visible signs at the site are fences and netting, with no evidence of any building construction having commenced.
Concerns have been raised regarding water accumulating in excavation sites at construction projects, turning these areas into dangerous breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Some residents have gone as far as to describe the stagnant pools as being large enough to "farm yellowfin tuna."
Furthermore, Member of Parliament for the Eydhafushi constituency, Ahmed Saleem, has also come under heavy criticism regarding this matter.
The statement called upon the member to clarify the true status of the project to the public and to fulfill their parliamentary responsibilities by working to rectify these issues.
Work on the Maldives National University (MNU) campus in Eydhafushi has come to a standstill, with stagnant water in excavated pits on the site becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes. | Social Media
During President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's visit to the island on August 11, 2025, an agreement was signed officially awarding the development of a Maldives National University (MNU) campus to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).
The project was awarded to MTCC for MVR 80.79 million, with a completion timeline of 720 days.
Furthermore, a special ceremony was held on March 5, 2026, to mark the laying of the foundation stone for the MNU campus.
The foundation stone for the Maldives National University’s new building was laid during a special ceremony officiated by Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed, who was serving as the Minister of Higher Education at the time.
The establishment of this campus in Eydhafushi, a community of 3,500 people, is expected to significantly expand higher education opportunities for the region's youth. However, residents of Eydhafushi contend that the continued suspension of such vital projects poses a major obstacle to the island's development.
