President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering the development that the people want and deserve. He made the statement while addressing the residents of Fulhadhoo, Baa Atoll, during his visit to the island as part of an ongoing tour to inhabited islands of the atoll.
In his address, the President said following expedited efforts, all preparations are now in place to begin key development projects for Fulhadhoo. The purpose of his visit to the island was to reassure residents and share updates, while also engaging with the residents and giving them the opportunity to express their views and aspirations, he said.
Meeting with Community Leaders
Earlier the same day, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with members of the Fulhadhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to address the island’s pressing development needs. The meeting was held at the Fenaka Fulhadhoo Branch office.
During the discussions, council members highlighted urgent concerns, including the need to tackle coastal erosion, improve water and sanitation facilities, and establish affordable accommodation for people traveling to Fulhadhoo for employment. They also called for the introduction of laboratory services on the island.
The council further stressed the importance of constructing an outdoor volleyball court to provide recreational opportunities for local youth.
In addition, representatives from participating institutions underscored the need to upgrade the island’s harbour and electricity grid.
The President assured the council that he would review the issues raised. Cabinet Ministers and senior officials from State-Owned Enterprises present at the meeting also provided updates on ongoing projects for the island.
Water and Sewerage Project a Top Priority
In his address to the island residents, the President said that the continuation of the island’s water and sewerage projects remains the its most pressing need. He emphasised the importance of the quick completion of the project, noting its significance for both residents’ quality of life as well as the island’s thriving local tourism sector. He announced that the project has now been contracted to Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), with the resources and equipment needed for the project already in place.
“I want to assure you all that we will begin the project’s work within this month, and the project will be completed with great priority attached to it. This will alleviate the challenges you face,” he said.
Addressing Tourism and Staff Accommodation Needs
With 16 guesthouses offering over 240 beds, local tourism in Fulhadhoo is thriving. However, the President acknowledges the limited accommodation space for healthcare and education staff, noting that it has become a significant challenge. To address this, an accomodation block will be included in next year’s budget, reducing the financial burden on the island’s institutions that currently have to rent housing at high cost.
Healthcare Upgrades
The President said there are important projects that need to be implemented for the island’s health sector. To strengthen this sector, an additional health centre building will be constructed within the grounds of the existing health centre, complete with a laboratory. The project is expected to commence this year, he revealed.
Out of a registered population of 416, about 200 people live in Fulhadhoo. Noting that Fulhadhoo has a relatively high number of Thalassemia patients considering its population, the President said that the establishment of laboratory and other health services will make treatments more accessible for the island’s residents.
Education, Sports, and Community Facilities
In the education sector, the President pledged to implement targeted projects to enhance the sector. Similar to other islands across the Maldives, sports and recreation will be prioritised, with similar projects also planned for implementation in Fulhadhoo. In this regard, a fitness and recreation centre project will be launched in Fulhadhoo this year, while a project to build a volleyball court will be included in next year's budget. In addition, a fully equipped futsal stadium with also be developed, the President said.
According to the President, a mosque will also be built in Fulhadhoo and the project will be included in next year's budget. Additionally, nearby uninhabited island, Innafushi will be added to the jurisdiction of Fulhadhoo Council as the people wish. Revenue generated from the island will also go to the Fulhadhoo Council, he added.
The President said he was invested in bringing development to the goal desired by the people. The development of Fulhadhoo will be carried out in an orderly manner, he said, adding that Fulhadhoo was an important island for tourism.
Presidential Tour Continues Across Baa Atoll
President Muizzu arrived in Fulhadhoo on Tuesday evening, marking the eighth stop in his tour of Baa Atoll. He was welcomed by senior officials, institutional representatives, and residents of all ages.
The tour, scheduled from 11 to 14 August, includes visits to 13 inhabited islands: Kamadhoo, Kudarikilu, Kendhoo, Eydhafushi, Thulhaadhoo, Goidhoo, Fehendhoo, Fulhadhoo, Hithaadhoo, Kihaadhoo, Dhonfanu, Dharavandhoo, and Maalhos.
The tour is intended to facilitate direct engagement with citizens, assess local conditions, and consult with island councils on development priorities. These visits aim to ensure that government initiatives remain responsive to community feedback and grounded in the lived realities of the Maldivian people.