President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that dialysis services will be introduced in Ihavandhoo, Haa Alif Atoll, before the upcoming Ramadan.
Addressing Ihavandhoo residents as part of his ongoing visit to several islands of Haa Alif Atoll, the President said despite plans to establish a modern hospital on the island, the Government would continue enhancing the services available at the island’s existing health centre. In this regard, he announced the dialysis service for patients with kidney diseases would be launched at the Health Centre within February.
Speaking on development pledges for the island, the President announced the implementation of a second phase of the island’s ongoing road development project. Additionally, the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) will commence waste collection services on the island as part of a national initiative to introduce waste management services across all islands in the Maldives this year, he revealed. Such essential services are closely linked to the peoples’ aspirations, he added.
The President reiterated his commitment to fulfilling all pledges made during his presidential campaign. He emphasised the government’s focus on enhancing economic activities and announced plans to establish an industrial island on Dhigufaru, Haa Alif Atoll, through land reclamation to support the fibre-related industries that are popular in Ihavandhoo.
Noting that the Ihavandhoo Council had requested earlier in the day to include Huvahandhoo of the Atoll within Ihavandhoo Council’s jurisdiction, the President assured that a decision regarding the request would be made soon.
Acknowledging concerns regarding Ihavandhoo’s harbour, President Muizzu assured that the government would address these challenges in line with public expectations.
Emphasising that the government will be focusing on housing initiatives this year a a top priority, President Muizzu affirmed that all housing-related initiatives would be implemented. As part of these initiatives, 200 housing units will be developed in Ihavandhoo as well, he announced.
“In this year’s budget, USD 97.31 million has been earmarked for housing initiatives. Such a significant amount has never been allocated for housing alone in the Maldives’ budget. For islands with large populations and economic activities such as Ihavandhoo, addressing housing challenges is the highest priority. Therefore, we have passed a housing-focused budget for this year. The announcement [from these housing initiatives] does not include Male’ as projects for Male’will be implemented separately and announced at a later date,” he stated.
Speaking on education, the President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transitioning all schools to a single-session system. Acknowledging the challenges of converting the Ihavandhoo school to single-session school, as outlined by the Island Council at a meeting held prior to the community meeting, the President pledged to expand Ihavandhoo School to support such a transition.
Concluding his speech, the President affirmed that the government would fulfil its pledges in line with the peoples’ aspirations. He expressed hope to return to Ihavandhoo to celebrate the fulfillment of development pledges for the island.
Meeting with Island Council and WDC
Prior to the community meeting with Ihavandhoo residents, President Muizzu met with the members of the Ihavandhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of institutions of Ihavandhoo to discuss pressing developmental needs.
At the meeting held at Ihavandhoo School, the Council shared the challenges of converting the island's school to single-session schooling. They highlighted the importance of building a hospital to further improve the island's health conditions. Additionally, they requested the inclusion of Huvahandhoo within Ihavandhoo's jurisdiction.
Council members also noted that newly populated areas of the island had been waiting for extended periods without water, electricity and sewerage services. Furthermore, they emphasised the importance of establishing a police station and a multipurpose complex specialising in indoor sports.
In response, the President addressed the council members' concerns and reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling his previous promises. He assured them he would actively work toward finding solutions to the issues they raised. The accompanying Ministers and heads of Government institutions also provided updates on the progress of ongoing development projects in Ihavandhoo.
Fisheries Complex Brings Economic Opportunities
The groundbreaking ceremony for Ihavandhoo’s new fisheries complex was also conducted as part of the President’s visit to the island, with the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam doing the honours.
The Ihavandhoo Fisheries Complex is funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and will include a USD 64 million investment to develop a 1000-tonne cold storage and a 50-tonne brine freezing facility. The project’s scope also includes the construction of an office building, a powerhouse, a vehicle workshop as well as a storage facility. Additionally, a 130-meter alongside berth and a 3.5-meter-deep harbour with three fish landing points will also be developed.
Speaking regarding the complex, President Muizzu said the practical work of the project will be implemented in May, with a target to complete the project within 18 months. He detailed the budget allocations for the project, noting that USD 27 million has been allocated for the construction of the facility, while the harbour works require a budget of USD 3.76 million. The President noted that the development and operationalisation of the complex will create 150 jobs and further develop the fishing industry.
In a special interview to PSM News, Fisheries Minister Shiyam said the fisheries complex would bring economic benefits to Ihavandhoo and surrounding islands, including economic growth. While the complex will fulfil a long-awaited hope, it will bring ease to fishermen, he noted.
“Fishermen have to travel a long distance, burning through a large amount of fuel, to reach Felivaru to weigh their catch. Therefore, the Ihavandhoo Fisheries Complex will significantly reduce the cost incurred on fuel, while also creating employment opportunities on the island,” he stated.
Development of a Hospital to Fulfil a Presidential Pledge, Contract Signed
An agreement was also signed between the Ministry of Health and the Road Development Corporation (RDC) to construct a hospital in Ihavandhoo, in alignment with President Muizzu’s presidential campaign pledge. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry by the Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim, while RDC’s Managing Director Brigadier General Retired Ali Zuhair signed on behalf of the corporation.
While Ihavandhoo has the largest population among the islands of Haa Alif Atoll, the island is imperative for the Maldives’ northern development. The new hospital to be constructed on Ihavandhoo will be spacious and offer comprehensive services, according to the government.
The former government also attempted to develop the island hospital and signed a contract with a company titled Duplex Pvt Ltd earlier in January 2023. However, the term ended with no tangible work done to build the hospital. The current government terminated the agreement with Duplex Pvt Ltd and reassigned the contract to RDC, with no changes to the project’s design and scope. The USD 7.97 million project includes a 30-bed hospital featuring an accommodation blocks and other necessary facilities to provide services.
National ID and Passport Issuance Services Launched
On 16 November last year, the President pledged to expand the National Identity Card and passport issuance service across the Maldives.
As part of the visit to Ihavandhoo, the President witnessed the launch of the National Identity Card printing and passport issuing services in the island. The service was inaugurated by the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan.
Agreement Formalised for Introduction of ATM Services
As part of efforts to improve financial accessibility, an agreement was formalised between the Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) and the Ihavandhoo Island Council to install an ATM on the island. Representing MIB, the agreement was signed by the bank’s Head of Distribution Ibrahim Shuhail, while Ahmed Sabah, the President of the Ihavandhoo 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.
MIB has plans to extend its ATM service to an additional 19 islands this year, installing 23 ATMS including MVR and USD ATMs. Sales centres will also be established on four islands: Ungoofaaru, Raa Atoll; Funadhoo, Shaviyani Atoll; Male’, Kaafu Atoll; and Villingili, Gaaf Alif Atoll.
Agreements were also signed for the development of football grounds, and the Ihavandhoo Huravee Outdoor Volley Court.
President’s Haa Alif Tour
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.