Muizzu repeats vow for Veymandoo-Kinbidhoo causeway

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has once again pledged to complete the long-awaited causeway connecting Veymandoo and Kinbidhoo in Thaa Atoll during his current term.

This renewed commitment comes after the previous administration, led by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, failed to deliver on similar promises made during tenure.

Former President Solih's campaign pledge was to establish a dredged road linking Veymandoo and Kinbidhoo. Despite various start dates announced by his government, the project remained unfulfilled by the end of his tenure.

President Muizzu initially made this promise during a visit to Kinbidhoo on February 8 of the previous year. However, more than a year has passed since then, and construction on the project has yet to commence under his government.

During his current visit to the atoll, the President reiterated his commitment to the project in a meeting with Kinbidhoo residents on Thursday. He stated that the Kinbidhoo-Veymandoo causeway project would be executed in a manner that expands tourism opportunities and confirmed that the project has now been opened for bids.

"This project will bring important improvements to the entire atoll. This is also an significant area for those who want to migrate under the government's population and development project," President Muizzu stated.

The President also expressed his intention to consult with the local populace during the land use planning process for development projects. These include land allocation in reclaimed areas of the island and government housing initiatives, all designed to maximize the benefits of the causeway.

Earlier, President Muizzu had also promised to realize causeway projects connecting Madifushi and Dhiyamigili.

During the previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government, then-Housing Minister Mohamed Aslam had identified an uninhabited island named Elaa, situated along the planned causeway's route, as a significant challenge. At the time, there were plans to develop Elaa as a tourist destination. After extensive deliberation, the issue was resolved by deciding against building a resort on Elaa.

However, President Muizzu has now announced that Elaa will be developed as an integrated tourism island.