President Dr Mohamed Muizzu asserted the administration's unwavering commitment to delivering tangible results through its policies and developmental initiatives in his recent address to the residents of Rin'budhoo, Dhaalu Atoll. His visit to the island underlined the administration’s dedication to fulfilling the aspirations of the Rin'budhoo community.
As part of his ongoing tour of the inhabited islands in Dhaalu Atoll, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the importance of direct engagement with island communities in his address to the residents of Rin'budhoo. These visits provide residents with a crucial opportunity to voice their concerns and aspirations directly, he said, thereby expediting the resolution of pressing issues.
The President's Results-Orientated Development Policies
During his address, President Dr Muizzu reiterated the administration's focus on results-orientated policies. By reflecting the residents' desires, he stated, the administration aims to implement developmental projects that deliver measurable outcomes. The president assured the community that their wishes would be realised through these initiatives.
Acknowledging the significant challenges faced by Rin'budhoo's student population and educators due to space constraints at the island's school, President Dr Muizzu announced plans to commence the construction of six additional classrooms, a computer laboratory, and a library within the next two months. The project is scheduled to begin no later than May, he assured, with a state-owned company ensuring swift progress and completion.
Comprehensive Initiative for Religious, Healthcare, and Recreational Improvements
The island's ageing mosque, built in 1992, was another concern addressed by President Dr Muizzu. He pledged to develop a new mosque with a capacity of 500 people, slated for construction beginning in July. This project responds to the community's need for improved religious facilities.
Prioritising the healthcare sector, particularly in the budget, the president acknowledged the challenges at Rin'budhoo’s healthcare centre, including space constraints, resource shortages, and staffing difficulties. These issues would be resolved through the projects planned for this year, he asserted, with an unwavering commitment to completing all projects without interruptions.
Recognising the community's needs for sports and recreational amenities, President Dr Muizzu outlined the administration’s plan to construct a fitness and recreation centre on the island. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for Rin'budhoo’s residents by providing modern facilities for physical activities and leisure, he said.
Sustaining Craftsmanship and Addressing Community Needs: Metalsmithing Training and Educational Initiatives
Rin‘budhoo, with its small population, has faced land-use planning challenges due to the relocation of a significant portion of its residents to Thulusdhoo, Kaafu Atoll. President Dr Muizzu addressed the legal complexities arising from this situation and revealed plans for a team of technical experts to visit the island and seek a permanent solution. Solutions would be found for both the remaining residents and those who have relocated, he said.
The president also cited Rin‘budhoo's rich tradition in metalsmithing, particularly in gold and silver craftsmanship. He acknowledged the economic challenges facing the community due to population decline and fewer youths learning the trade. To sustain and advance this heritage, President Dr Muizzu unveiled a vision to establish a training centre dedicated to metalsmithing, with certification by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA).
During his visit, President Dr Muizzu engaged with members of the island council, the women’s development committee (WDC), and senior officials of government offices and institutions. Discussions focused on various challenges, including space constraints at the school, healthcare centre, and mosque, as well as issues related to electricity supply and coastal erosion. The council members highlighted the island's enthusiasm for sports fishing and requested the installation of a fish aggregating device (FAD) near the island.
The WDC members also raised concerns about financial constraints facing the committee. In response, cabinet ministers accompanying the president provided updates on the administration’s developmental plans for the island.
Rin'budhoo Welcomes New Secretariat Building Project and ATM Services
President Dr Muizzu’s visit to Rin'budhoo included the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed Secretariat of the Island Council building. The foundation stone was laid by Adam Shareef Umar, the Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works. This project, funded by the government and executed in a contractor-finance format, is part of an initiative to develop local council secretariat buildings in 55 islands, contracted to Malaysia-based Hextar Global Berhad. The project is expected to be completed in two and a half years, with plans to construct new island council secretariat buildings on 105 islands nationwide.
Additionally, the visit saw the inauguration of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services on the island, installed by the Bank of Maldives (BML). President Dr Muizzu, accompanied by BML’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mohamed Shareef, officially inaugurated the service. This initiative aligns with the president’s electoral pledge to expand ATM services to all inhabited islands by the end of this year.