President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has concluded his tour of South Thiladhunmathi Atoll, visiting all 13 inhabited islands to meet with Councils, Women’s Development Committees (WDCs), and local communities. Across the islands, the President announced major projects and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening decentralized governance and ensuring that development is tailored to local needs.
His final two stops were the islands of Kurimbi and Kumundhoo.
Kulhudhuffushi City – Regional Hub for Development
During his visit to Kulhudhuffushi City, President Dr Muizzu engaged with the City Council, WDC, and local institutions to review pressing priorities.
· Governance & Decentralization: He reaffirmed his administration’s pledge to empower local councils, noting his own experience as Mayor. The President emphasized that councils would operate free from political interference, supported by legislative reform and increased institutional resources.
· Healthcare: Expansion of hospital facilities and services was pledged, including more paramedic staff to ensure safer and faster patient transfers.
· Education: The need for an additional school was acknowledged and will be facilitated.
· Fisheries: The President announced that the Gulper shark fishery, once a vital livelihood for the island, will reopen in November under a comprehensive management plan to ensure sustainability.
· Tourism & Economy: Opportunities will be opened for investors to develop a city hotel near the airport, while Keylakunu will be developed as an eco-tourism destination.
· Port & Trade: An agreement was signed to expand the commercial port and establish a bonded zone service, supporting import and storage of essential goods.
· Transport: The foundation stone was laid for a new passenger terminal at Kulhudhuffushi Airport to improve travel facilities.
· Finance & Religion: Ground was broken for a new Bank of Maldives Business Centre, while construction of an Islamic Centre is scheduled for next year.
· Housing: Two major housing projects were signed—resumption of 400 stalled units and construction of 2,000 new units, with 1,300 in a development zone and 700 on private land.
· Sports & Recreation:
o Agreement signed for a sports complex.
o A dual-purpose football and handball ground to be developed.
o A synthetic track to be built by December.
o A beach handball stadium to be completed ahead of next month’s Commonwealth Beach Handball Tournament.
· Urban Infrastructure: Work began on a Waste and Resource Management Centre. The third phase of the road modernization project was inaugurated, which includes new racing roads.
The visit also featured signing ceremonies, inaugurations, and ground-breaking of multiple projects, reflecting the government’s strategy to make Kulhudhuffushi a regional hub for trade, tourism, health, and sports.
Neykurendhoo – Community-Driven Growth
President Muizzu highlighted his commitment to supporting locally led economic initiatives during his visit to Neykurendhoo.
· Land Use: The plot originally designated for a jail was handed over to the Council for citizen-driven economic projects.
· Harbour Development: Agreement signed to extend the harbour by 100 feet, with boat docking and beach facilities. Shore protection measures will be included in next year’s budget.
· Sports & Recreation: A swimming track will be developed along with the harbour project. A multi-purpose hall is scheduled to begin construction next year, alongside an indoor badminton court and new football grounds.
· Health: Expansion of the health centre announced, alongside a fitness and recreation centre.
· Education: The delayed school project will be completed, with classrooms ready by the next academic year.
· Environment: The President acknowledged beach erosion and pledged solutions, while also supporting mangrove preservation.
· Waste Management: A modern waste facility will be established to resolve ongoing challenges.
· Energy: Relocation of the powerhouse from residential areas was agreed upon.
These projects collectively aim to improve quality of life, create economic opportunities, and protect Neykurendhoo’s environment.
Vaikaradhoo – Education, Agriculture, and Faith
At Vaikaradhoo, President Muizzu stressed the island’s deep ties to Quranic learning and pledged to support both spiritual and economic development.
· Religion & Culture: A branch of the National Centre for the Holy Quran will be established early next year, responding to community requests.
· Education: A 12-classroom school facility, stalled for years, will be completed within 2024 to be ready for the next academic year.
· Harbour Development: Agreement signed with MTCC to upgrade the harbour, including a new community beach area.
· Energy: Relocation of the powerhouse will be completed this year, with grid upgrades included.
· Housing: Construction of housing units to address population growth and demand was pledged.
· Infrastructure: Road modernization and renovation of the community centre will be carried out.
· Utilities: Provision of water, sewerage, and electricity to newly allocated land plots and the tourism zone will be ensured.
· Agriculture & Transport: Recognizing the island’s agricultural tradition, the President pledged to revise ferry routes to make Vaikaradhoo a departure point, easing cargo transport.
These initiatives reflect the administration’s plan to turn Vaikaradhoo into both an educational and agricultural hub, while preserving its religious and cultural heritage.
Makunudhoo – Strategic Connectivity and Services
On Makunudhoo, the President underlined the island’s unique geographic position and its critical need for improved connectivity.
· Airport Project: The President pledged to expedite Makunudhoo Airport, with a planned 1,800-meter runway. Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) will manage its operations.
· Land & Housing: Land reclamation was agreed upon, with 22 hectares allocated for development, including housing.
· Coastal Protection: A programme to safeguard the shoreline will be implemented.
· Healthcare: The health centre will be upgraded to a Level-6 facility, providing specialized services in women’s health, pediatrics, internal medicine, X-ray imaging, and dialysis.
· Sports: Completion of a handball court pledged.
· Governance: A new Council office building will be constructed to replace the current undersized Secretariat.
· Power Supply: The government will address the island’s urgent power crisis.
· Public Services: Passport issuance service was officially launched, making Makunudhoo a new centre for service delivery in the region.
These measures aim to transform Makunudhoo into a strategically connected island, with stronger healthcare, infrastructure, and public services.
A Stronger South Thiladhunmathi
Through these island visits, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed his vision for a more connected, empowered, and self-reliant northern Maldives. With major investments in housing, ports, airports, health facilities, sports, and religious institutions, the government seeks to ensure that development is not only balanced across regions but also community-driven and sustainable.
