L. Fonadhoo will be developed as an urban centre, and land reclamation and a mega housing project will be carried out in the island, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced.

Speaking to the residents of Fonadhoo during his visit to the Atoll, President Dr. Muizzu said Laamu Atoll plays a pivotal role in the development of the nation. He added that the Administration's vision is to bring sustainable development to the Maldives. As such, part of the Administration's master plan is to develop urban centres in seven regions, he said.

President Dr. Muizzu said the urban centres will provide the same services as the capital.

"There are seven regions we have identified to develop urban centres in. Fonadhoo is one of the islands," he said.

He noted that housing is one of the major issues faced by a majority of islands including Fonadhoo, adding that resolving the housing issue is one of the top priorities for the Administration. He further added that this would be one of the first initiatives in the urban centres as well.

"This is why I pledged to reclaim land for Fonadhoo's development. Land reclamation and housing projects will be carried out across the country, and we have identified seven islands that will be developed as urban centres with mega projects," President Dr. Muizzu said.

He added that the projects will be funded through the state budget, foreign investments and financial models to ensure sustainable development and centralisation.