President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that 300 three-bedroom housing units planned for Villimalé will be reserved exclusively for residents of the island, as part of a wider push to address long-standing community needs.
The commitment was made during a consultative meeting with Villimalé residents, where the President outlined a series of development projects and invited public input on priorities. The housing scheme forms part of the broader Greater Malé development plan, with construction expected to begin later this year.
Muizzu also revealed plans to upgrade Hulhumalé Hospital to a tertiary facility, promising measures to minimise service disruption during the transition. “Public cooperation will be essential,” he said, as operations shift to accommodate the upgrade.
Infrastructure improvements were high on the agenda. The President confirmed that road modernisation in Villimalé will be carried out alongside upgrades to electricity, water and sewerage networks. A multi-sports complex is scheduled for next year, and a US dollar ATM will be installed on the island.
Dr Abdulla Muththalib, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, provided technical details on housing, roadworks and the proposed bridge, stressing that environmental protection and greenery preservation remain priorities. He assured residents that even after the bridge is completed, motorised vehicles will not be introduced to Villimalé.
Other announcements included plans to redevelop Masjid Al-Salaam into a modern mosque, while residents raised concerns about ageing trees, ferry connectivity, and the need for a dedicated fish market. Responding to one request, Muizzu ordered the removal of two problematic trees.
The President closed the meeting with a firm pledge:
“Villimalé will not be neglected simply because it is Villimalé. We will deliver on your needs and our shared vision for development.”
Residents welcomed the engagement, noting that this was the first time a sitting President had visited the island specifically to consult on its future.
