President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to develop and promote national landmarks and monuments in Utheemu of Haa Alif Atoll.
The birthplace of national hero Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, Utheemu holds immense historical and national significance.
Speaking to island residents during his visit to Utheemu as part of a broader tour of eleven islands in Haa Alif Atoll, the President highlighted the importance of preserving Utheemu’s heritage as a cornerstone of national identity. He expressed that he felt a deep sense of national pride when visiting the island.
Recalling his statements during the presidential election campaign as well as his inauguration speech regarding prioritising the preservation and promotion of nationality and identity, the President noted that true development encompasses both infrastructure and ideological progress.
Providing details on efforts for identity development and revival of nationality, President Muizzu described the efforts as a significant initiative. He emphasised the need to preserve the historic Utheemu Palace, once the residence of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, stressing that the very essence of Utheemu must be preserved to safeguard the national identity. Noting that foreign assistance has been arranged for the project, the President said the monuments will be maintained such that its originality is not lost.
President Muizzu also announced that the National Day will be celebrated in Utheemu at a national level for the next two years, as part of a larger project to promote nationalism. He expressed hope to return to the island later this year for the celebrations.
“I aim to protect and preserve the monument and other significant historical sites in a nationality-oriented manner, as a larger national project. To achieve that, I will give unparalleled dedication to this mission, and I will arrange to conduct National Day celebration on this island this year and next year, at national level. The end result will be a new path cleared to promoting nationalistic ideology,” he explained.
The President further assured island residents that he would fulfill all pledges made for the island.
“The pledges made during my presidential campaign are well-documented, and I remember them clearly. Even if it is road development or harbour construction, or improvement for the island for the educational sector, or addressing the island’s health centre needs towards health sector development, the aspiration of the island’s residents will be made a reality — this is my goal,” the President stated.
Prior to addressing the island residents, President Muizzu met with Utheemu Island Council, Women’s Development Committee (WDC) and heads of institutions to discuss the island's developmental needs. At the meeting, the council highlighted relevant heritage concerns, including the damaged heritage flag at Utheemu Palace and the lack of preservation efforts for the historic site.
The Council mainly spoke about coastal erosion and challenges in allocating land whilst maintaining the identity of Utheemu. They urged authorities to include a nearby island under the jurisdiction of Utheemu. The Council also raised the need to improve the health centre's services and establish a waste management facility on the island.’’
Speaking at the meeting, the President assured that the concerns raised by the Utheemu Council would be fully reviewed, with efforts made to address them thoroughly. The accompanying Ministers also provided updates on ongoing and planned development projects aimed at improving the island's infrastructure and services.
As part of President Dr Muizzu's visit to the island, the foundation stone of the new Council Secretariat building was laid by Adam Shareef Umar, Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works to initiate the development of a new building for the Secretariat of the Utheemu Island Council. This project underscores the administration's commitment to enhancing local governance structures. The new structure will feature private offices for council members, administrative units, and a spacious meeting room, addressing the constraints of the current outdated and overcrowded facility.
The project is part of a broader initiative by President Dr Muizzu's administration to construct local council secretariat buildings on 55 islands across the country. The project has been awarded to the Malaysia-based Hextar Global Sdn. Bhd. under a contractor-finance model, with the aim of alleviating space constraints and enhancing the operational efficiency of local island councils. According to the government, the contract stipulates a 30-month completion timeline for all islands encompassed in the project.
The President also witnessed the groundbreaking of Utheemu’s new Police Centre. Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, and commissioner of Police Ali Shujau broke ground on the project. With the new centre, the government will further expand its efforts to ensure the safety and security for the island.
As part of the visit, an agreement was also formalised between the Bank of Maldives (BML) and the Utheemu Island Council to install an ATM on the island. Representing the Bank of Maldives, the agreement was signed by the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mohamed Shareef, while Abdulla Rasheed, President of the Utheemu Island Council, signed the agreement on behalf of the island council.
This initiative is part of President Dr Muizzu’s broader strategy, launched in November 2024, to establish ATMs on all inhabited islands. The initiative is aimed at strengthening financial empowerment among the populace. The administration has set a target to introduce ATM services on all inhabited islands by the end of 2025.
At present, the Bank of Maldives operates over 150 ATMs across 90 islands, with plans to extend this service to an additional 17 islands by March of this year.
President Dr Muizzu is on a three-day tour of several islands in the Haa Alifu Atoll. Covering a total of eleven islands, President Dr Muizzu's itinerary includes stops in Filladhoo, Muraidhoo, Utheemu, Dhihdhoo, Hoarafushi, Ihavandhoo, Maarandhoo, Molhadhoo, Thakandhoo, and Uligamu. This tour is part of the President's 2024 pledge to engage with local councils across the atolls, islands, and cities. Accompanying the President on this tour are cabinet ministers and senior government officials, underscoring the administration's commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of the island communities.