Pres upset over misleading attempts about urban centres

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced the development of urban zones and will centres will proceed with the feedback and support of local councils, public and all relevant stakeholders.

In a post on X, President Muizzu said that a detailed plan for the development of the urban zones were provided in chapters 12, 13, and 14 of the campaign manifesto, which was announced at the ceremony held to announce the manifesto itself as well as during several different occasions.

Muizzu said his policy is to develop two urban zones; the northern integrated development zone inclusive of three northern atolls and the southern integrated development zone which would include four atolls from the region.

Additional to this, seven urban centres will be developed in select islands across the Maldives; which include three centres north of Male’ and four in south.

“These are part of the 20-year development masterplan, which we intend to achieve with the input of the people, technical individuals, councils, and other relevant stakeholders,” President Muizzu said in his post.

In his post, he further expressed frustration over deliberate attempts to mislead the public for political motivations despite clear information provided on the state’s initiatives.

His criticism had been directed at a recent statement from opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leader Abdulla Shahid, who questioned the absence of Boduthiladhunmathi (Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu atolls) and southern atolls from the list of planned urban centres. Shahid said the government must answer the absence of these key areas to its respective locals.

Shahid in his post further said the input of all relevant stakeholders including both atoll and island council authorities and the public should precede any final decision. He added that such a decision must not shift the decentralization system for these islands to be administered under the central government.

The Ministry of Housing announced the list of islands where the state is planning to develop urban centres on Saturday, which include:

1. R. Ungoofaaru
2. B. Eydhafushi
3. Lh. Naifaru
4. A.Dh. Mahibadhoo
5. F. Nilandhoo
6. D. Kudahuvadhoo
7. L. Fonadhoo