President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to upholding media independence, assuring citizens that he has no intention of exerting control over the press.
Speaking during a community meeting in Nolhivaranfaru, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, the President said neither he nor his government had ever sought to interfere in media operations and pledged that the sector should remain transparent, accountable, and free from external influence. He stressed, however, that while the government is responsible for implementing national projects, other stakeholders — including political parties, institutions, and the media — also carry a duty to act responsibly.
Commenting on the Maldives Media and Broadcast Regulation Bill currently before Parliament, President Muizzu emphasised that he would not interfere with the legislative process. He noted that, although the bill grants the President the authority to appoint the proposed commission’s leadership, he had already pledged to refrain from exercising that power, underlining the importance of an independent press.
Earlier in the day, the President met with the Nolhivaranfaru Island Council, Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss development priorities.
Key requests included incorporating coastal protection works into the harbour expansion project, addressing farmers’ access to electricity, and developing a high-quality volleyball court. The council also proposed transforming a nearby sandbank into a community picnic island, while health officials called for a sea ambulance to be stationed on the island.
The President assured residents that their concerns would be given careful consideration and shared updates on ongoing projects, emphasising his administration’s focus on delivering swift and practical solutions.
During the visit, the government signed a series of agreements to boost infrastructure and services in Nolhivaranfaru. These include:
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Health Centre Extension Project
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Multipurpose Hall and School Infrastructure Development
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Harbour Expansion Project
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Football Stadium and Sports Complex Development
Additionally, land previously allocated for tourism has been returned to the island council for community-led development.
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Health: Services at the existing health centre will be strengthened while the extension project moves forward, including more doctors and staff.
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Education: A fully equipped school, with a multipurpose hall and science labs, will be built on land allocated by the council, with completion expected by 2027.
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Housing: The President officially handed over 100 housing units completed in 2022 but announced a new 250-unit housing project, including 100 three-bedroom apartments on citizens’ plots, with work beginning next month.
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Sports: A FIFA-standard stadium and modern sports complex will be established, alongside a new volleyball court.
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Waste Management: WAMCO will begin operations within five months to improve sustainability.
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Tourism: Fourteen hectares of reclaimed land have been transferred back to the council to attract investors.
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Erosion Control: Additional measures will be included in next year’s budget to address coastal erosion.
Nolhivaranfaru marks the seventh stop in President Muizzu’s tour of Haa Dhaalu Atoll, where he is scheduled to visit all thirteen inhabited islands. His delegation includes cabinet ministers and senior government officials, underscoring the administration’s focus on direct engagement with local communities and advancing development across the atolls.
The President concluded by reaffirming that his government’s efforts would remain centred on the well-being of citizens, with a focus on delivering results swiftly and sustainably.
