Kihaadhoo Receives Presidential Pledges on School Expansion, Health Centre, Power Infrastructure and Coastal Protection

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering the development long sought by the residents of Kihaadhoo, Baa Atoll, announcing that practical work on several key initiatives will commence within the year. His visit to the island formed part of a broader tour of inhabited islands in Baa Atoll, designed to engage directly with communities and assess local development needs.

Speaking to residents on Wednesday, President Muizzu underscored his administration’s determination to fulfil electoral pledges across vital sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure and sports. He stressed that the government’s efforts would be guided by the priorities expressed by the people of Kihaadhoo.

School expansion and facilities upgrade to begin this year

Among the immediate undertakings, the president confirmed that expansion of the island’s school facilities would begin this year. He identified the construction of a multipurpose hall, science laboratory and staff rooms as essential components of the project, describing them as a direct response to community needs and a commitment made during his presidential campaign.

He acknowledged Kihaadhoo as an island whose residents place a high value on education and provide exemplary service to their school.

Coastal reinforcement and power infrastructure set for overhaul

The president also outlined plans for broader infrastructural development. Coastal protection work has already been completed in certain areas, yet the president noted the need for further measures. He announced that budgetary provisions would be made next year to initiate protection of the island’s northern side.

President Muizzu also addressed the island’s power infrastructure with equal urgency, reiterating his pledge to construct a new power plant and confirming that relocation of the existing facility and its office would begin within the current year.

Health centre expansion and sports facilities scheduled for rollout

Healthcare, described by the president as fundamental to Kihaadhoo’s progress, is set to receive targeted investment. Plans include expanding the health centre and providing essential resources, such as an ambulance and additional facilities. The ambulance is scheduled for acquisition this year, with a new health centre building and accompanying infrastructure to be delivered by early next year.

Sports development features prominently in the government’s agenda, with projects scheduled this year to lay turf on the football field, complete a fitness and recreation centre, establish an outdoor gym and create a children’s park, the president explained.

“There remain numerous areas requiring development; God willing, our work will be meticulously shaped in accordance with the people's wishes, and I assure you that the development they desire will be delivered,” the president said. He expressed his hope to return to Kihaadhoo in the near future to commemorate the completion of these initiatives.

Council and WDC raise infrastructure gaps and transport concerns

Earlier in the day, President Muizzu convened a meeting with the Kihaadhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC) and heads of local institutions at Kihaadhoo School. Council members presented a range of pressing development concerns, including persistent delays and interruptions in water and sewerage projects, the urgent need to strengthen the island’s electricity network and the relocation of the powerhouse away from residential areas.

Space constraints at both Kihaadhoo School and the healthcare centre were also highlighted, alongside the need for a dedicated science laboratory and the provision of an ambulance for the health facility. Additional concerns raised included the absence of a designated picnic island for residents and the need to revise the Baa Atoll route of the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry system to improve convenience.

The president assured the council that the government would carefully consider their concerns and work towards practical solutions. He was accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior officials from state-owned enterprises, who provided updates on ongoing development projects.

Erosion mitigation project completed; Northern shore protection planned

Later in the day, President Muizzu presided over a ceremony marking the completion of the Kihaadhoo coastal protection project, a long-standing concern for residents due to erosion. The project, awarded to MT Højgaard in May 2023, involved restoring sand to eroded areas and constructing a 548-metre large stone revetment.

Valued at USD 1.01 million, the initiative addressed erosion in an area where approximately 30,000 cubic metres of sand, dredged for the harbour, had previously been deposited. The Kihaadhoo Council noted that this sand covered a 600-foot area, with some sections reaching 10 feet in width and 20 feet in height.

Despite the project’s completion, the president stated that further coastal protection work was required and announced plans to include the protection of the island’s northern side in next year’s budget.

ATM services rolled out as part of nationwide banking access plan

In a move aimed at enhancing local banking accessibility, President Muizzu officially inaugurated new Bank of Maldives (BML) ATM services in Kihaadhoo. He personally withdrew money from the newly installed machine, which marks the 45th island this year to receive ATM services under a broader government initiative.

This nationwide rollout of ATM services is a key presidential pledge, intended to establish banking access in all inhabited islands. Following the inauguration, a commemorative bank card was presented to the island council. BML aims to install new ATM services in over 100 islands this year, contributing to a total of more than 250 ATMs across the country’s banking network.

Kihaadhoo marks tenth stop on presidential tour of Baa Atoll

President Muizzu received a warm welcome upon his arrival in Kihaadhoo, the tenth island he has visited as part of his ongoing tour of Baa Atoll. The visit, scheduled from 11 to 14 August and encompassing 13 inhabited islands, is intended to facilitate direct engagement with the public and consultations with local councils on development priorities.