President Dr Mohamed Muizzu returned to Malé Wednesday afternoon, after a successful tour of the inhabited islands of South Thiladhunmathi Atoll.
During the tour, the President visited 13 islands: Hirimaradhoo, Finey, Hanimaadhoo, Naivaadhoo, Nellaidhoo, Nolhivaran, Nolhivaranfaru, Makunudhoo, Vaikaradhoo, Neykurendhoo, Kulhudhuffushi City , Kurin’bi, and Kumundhoo . He met with Island Councils, Women’s Development Committees (WDCs), institutional heads, and residents to discuss community development priorities and the overall situation of each island.
The President was accompanied by some Cabinet Ministers and senior officials from State-Owned Enterprises. and senior officials from key Government institutions.
Throughout the tour, several agreements were signed and key initiatives launched. These included major projects in tourism development, transport network expansion, airport and harbor upgrades, and broader infrastructure improvements. Further initiatives were also introduced in housing, education, healthcare, fisheries, and agriculture, in line with the Administration’s Northern Integrated Development Zone strategy.
In his engagements with residents, the President urged Councils to take the lead in maximizing the benefits of the Administration’s decentralization efforts. He also assured that his Administration would not infringe upon the right to free speech.
His last two stops were Kurimbi and Kumundhoo, where he announced a series of major development projects and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to addressing long-standing challenges faced by the communities.
Kumundhoo
During his final stop in Kumundhoo, President Muizzu pledged to relocate the island’s harbor to provide a lasting solution to persistent difficulties caused by its current location. He assured residents that construction would begin within two months, following consultations to determine a site agreeable to the community. As part of the harbor relocation project, the President also announced the development of a dedicated beach area for residents.
In a special ceremony, agreements were signed to develop roads and build a multi-purpose hall, while the President inaugurated Kumundhoo’s water and sewerage network. He further revealed that work on a new multi-purpose hall for Kumundhoo School will commence within three months, alongside expansions to improve classroom space and resources.
Turning to sports and youth development, the President confirmed that ongoing upgrades to the football ground will continue, with plans for additional facilities including a futsal pitch and volleyball court. Groundbreaking ceremonies were also held for the construction of a fitness and recreation centre, a police station, and a health centre. In addition, the President inaugurated ATM services by the Bank of Maldives.
Meeting with the Kumundhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions, the President discussed key priorities, including the need for a new port, a housing project, and the promotion of ecotourism. The Council also requested the extension of water, sewage, and electricity services to newly populated areas, as well as improved facilities for the school and health centre. President Muizzu assured them that the government would give due consideration to these issues while providing updates on ongoing initiatives.
Kurimbi
In Kurimbi, President Muizzu pledged that the island’s health centre will operate as a 24-hour facility once the new building is completed, guaranteeing uninterrupted access to essential healthcare. The project has been officially contracted to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The President explained that the expanded centre will feature additional wards, a laboratory, and public health units, while efforts are already underway to extend current operating hours to 16 hours daily before the new facility is complete.
Addressing infrastructure, the President noted that construction of the Kurimbi harbor is progressing as promised, with modifications requested by residents to be incorporated. A second phase will focus on protecting the surrounding marine environment through the establishment of a dockyard and coastline safeguards. He also announced that the school’s multi-purpose hall project, signed today, will include four new classrooms to meet growing demand.
In the area of sports, the President pledged new facilities including a futsal court and handball court, in addition to the football field under development. He assured residents that the futsal ground would be completed within the year, underscoring his administration’s commitment to youth and community recreation.
The President also inaugurated a new Bank of Maldives ATM service on the island, and groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the Fitness and Recreation Centre.
During a meeting with the Kurimbi Island Council, the WDC, and local institutions, the Council highlighted the need to accelerate the island’s water and sanitation projects, initiate construction of housing units under the local housing scheme, and incorporate resident-requested modifications once the port is completed. They also called for dedicated recreational facilities such as a skating area and swimming zone, and the timely completion of the football field with an additional turf futsal ground.
The Council further requested the establishment of a waste management centre, upgrades to the school to address classroom shortages, and measures to overcome logistical challenges in delivering vaccines to the health centre. They stressed the urgent need for improvements to the energy infrastructure, including an additional power source, expanded capacity at the existing power plant, a dedicated Fenaka facility, and a new engine for the island.
In response, President Muizzu assured the Council that the government would take their concerns into account and work towards practical solutions. He also shared updates on ongoing development efforts.
