President Dr Mohamed Miuzzu has highlighted the distinct cultural, historical, and heritage value of Thakandhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, stressing the necessity of protecting the island's cultural and heritage sites while advocating for cultural and heritage tourism.
During his visit to Thakandhoo on Wednesday, part of an ongoing three-day tour of several islands in Haa Alifu Atoll, President Dr Miuzzu addressed the residents, underscoring the administration's dedication to prioritising cultural and national promotion. Thakandhoo hosts numerous cultural and heritage sites, according to the president, including the mausoleum of Ali Thakurufaanu from Utheemu and the country's largest coral stone graveyard.
President Dr Miuzzu recently unveiled a major initiative to commemorate National Day in Utheemu, which, according to him, will also encompass events in Thakandhoo. In his address, he detailed the administration's developmental agenda for Thakandhoo, specifically highlighting the completion of the harbour development project. He assured residents that the project would begin before April and would be executed in a way that ensures coastal protection and preserves the island's natural beauty.
"The most important message I wish to convey to this island is that the proposed project to address space constraints in the island's harbour, which has yet to be commenced, will begin within the next two to three months," the president stated.
President Dr Miuzzu also revealed plans to extend the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry services to Thakandhoo ahead of Ramadan. He noted that the purpose of his visit was to enquire about the well-being of the residential community and to evaluate the island's condition. The president also reaffirmed the administration's dedication to resolving the challenges confronting the island's schools, healthcare centre, and other community concerns.
Urgent Infrastructure, Housing Concerns Highlighted
During the visit, President Dr Muizzu also engaged with members of the Thakandhoo Island Council, the Women's Development Committee (WDC), and heads of various institutions to discuss critical development needs for the island.
During the meeting, Thakandhoo Council representatives highlighted the critical need for governmental intervention to safeguard historical sites, accelerate the provision of essential services, including water and sewerage infrastructure, tackle the urgent coastal erosion issue, and complete the harbour project to mitigate transportation difficulties. The council members also advocated for the annexation of an island within their jurisdiction to generate revenue and brought attention to significant housing concerns.
At the meeting, President Dr Muizzu reiterated his administration's commitment to honouring its promises and addressing the issues raised by the council. Additionally, ministers and heads of government institutions in attendance provided progress updates on the ongoing development projects in Thakandhoo.
Strengthening Safety and Governance
As part of his visit, President Dr Muizzu officially inaugurated a new police station on Thakandhoo Island, furthering the administration's efforts to bolster public safety and governance. Following the opening ceremony, he ceremoniously hoisted the flag at the newly established facility.
President Dr Muizzu has articulated a clear vision for enhancing policing services across all inhabited islands in the country. The administration is actively working on the establishment of police stations, police posts, and police desks in all inhabited islands currently lacking such services.
Over the past year, police posts have been inaugurated on 23 islands as part of this initiative. The administration aims to expand policing services to all inhabited islands by the end of 2026, thereby providing comprehensive security coverage across the nation.
In a related development, a ceremonial foundation stone-laying event was held on Thakandhoo to mark the commencement of construction for a new building for the Secretariat of the Thakandhoo Island Council. This project, launched during President Dr Muizzu's visit, underscores the administration's dedication to strengthening local governance structures.
The foundation stone for the new Council Secretariat building was laid by Adam Shareef Umar, Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works. This event signifies the administration's commitment to addressing the space constraints faced by local council secretariats and providing them with much-needed new facilities.
Boosting Financial Accessibility
In an effort to enhance financial accessibility, President Dr Muizzu’s visit to Thakandhoo also marked the formalisation of an agreement between the Bank of Maldives (BM) and the Thakandhoo Island Council for the establishment of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services on the island. The agreement was signed by Mohamed Shareef, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Bank of Maldives, and Hussain Naeem, President of the Thakandhoo Island Council, representing their respective entities.
This initiative is part of President Dr Muizzu’s broader strategy, launched in November 2024, aimed at establishing ATM services on all inhabited islands. The objective of this strategy is to bolster financial empowerment among the residents of these islands. The administration has set an ambitious target to introduce ATM services on all inhabited islands by the end of 2025, thus ensuring comprehensive financial inclusivity across the nation.
Comprehensive Island Engagement, Development Tour
In addition to Thakandhoo, President Dr Muizzu's itinerary includes stops in Muraidhoo, Dhihdhoo, Filladhoo, Hoarafushi, Ihavandhoo, Maarandhoo, Molhadhoo, Uligamu, and Utheemu. 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.