Muizz says will follow Yameen's long-term land reclamation plan

Opposition PPM-PNC candidate Dr Mohamed Muizz said on Sunday that former President Abdulla Yameen's government was formulating a long-term plan to reclaim and increase landmass in Maldives.

With only six days left until the presidential election, Muizz is currently campaigning in Thaa atoll. The lagoon in Hirilandhoo in the atoll is also an area to be dredged under Yameen's long term plan, Muizz said.

“Under President Yameen, we looked at all the potential lagoons for land reclamation in different parts of the country, conducted a study and took it to the cabinet for approval,” he said.

Muizz said that Hirilandhoo could have been expanded after the reclamation of the lagoon under Yameen's plan.

"So now [as this government has decided] to dredge 25 hectares is a very short-term thing. So our plan will be President Yameen's long-term vision. I believe this lagoon is a very important land reclamation project”, Muizz said to the applause of the Hirilandhoo supporters.

"There are 25 hectares [to be dredged] at the moment but don't think that is the end. Hopefully it is my intention to [carry out] a land expansion project in this area that will benefit this province and the whole country," he said.

Muizz said his housing policy to provide adequate housing to all Maldivians also rests on reclaiming land. With it, Maldives's structural and economic development opportunities will be facilitated, he said.

More promises Muizz made to Hirilandhoo:

In addition, Muizz assured that what he had promised to do for each island would be done for Hirilandhoo and other islands in the constituency. These include improving the quality of schools, further strengthening the health system at the island level, waste management, and providing sports facilities for youth.

Muizz has repeatedly assured that he will not stop any project started by this government. He said his government will also give priority to the land reclamation project in Hirilandhoo.