President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, during an official visit to Himandhoo, Alifu Alifu Atoll, unveiled a comprehensive development agenda aimed at resolving longstanding infrastructure and public service challenges. From the completion of a long-delayed school building to the inauguration of new healthcare and sanitation facilities, the president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the island’s educational, religious, health, and security sectors.
His engagements with local councils and community representatives reflected a broader governmental pledge to deliver substantive improvements across Alifu Alifu Atoll.
School project to be completed in time for new academic year
Addressing residents of Himandhoo, President Muizzu confirmed that the island’s school project is slated for completion within the year, with teaching expected to commence in the forthcoming academic term. The new facility, comprising 12 classrooms and a multi-purpose hall, represents a significant investment in the island’s educational infrastructure.
Originally launched in 2021, the project was suspended under the previous administration, prompting concern among parents, educators, and students. The president stated that his government is providing full support to the contractor to ensure completion within 75 days, or a maximum of three months. He described the initiative as a direct response to the island’s most pressing educational need: the chronic shortage of classroom space.
Mosque construction enters final phase with government oversight
The president’s remarks on education formed part of a broader effort to address key infrastructure needs on the island. Religious facilities, too, have seen renewed attention under his administration.
President Muizzu reported that a significant percent of the construction work on Himandhoo’s new mosque has been completed, with full delivery expected by year-end. He noted that the government is closely monitoring progress to ensure timely completion.
Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed confirmed via social media that USD 369,570.28 has been expended on the project and that 75 percent of the construction work is complete. Constructed by Elite International Pvt. Ltd., the mosque began practical work on 18 June 2023 and is designed to accommodate 300 people, including a dedicated area for women. Located near the island’s harbour, the total budget stands at USD 668,670.21.
Local council raises urgent infrastructure and social concerns
Beyond physical infrastructure, President Muizzu’s visit also focused on governance and community engagement. At the Secretariat of the Himandhoo Council, he met with members of the island council, the women’s development committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions.
Council representatives raised several longstanding concerns, including persistent issues with the harbour channel, the urgent need for coastal protection, and the initiation of a land reclamation project. Healthcare delivery was also discussed, with the principal of Himandhoo School reiterating the need for additional classrooms. The WDC advocated for the construction of a handball court to support local recreational activities.
In response, President Muizzu assured the council that the government would give due consideration to all issues raised and prioritise practical solutions. He was accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior officials from state-owned enterprises, underscoring the administration’s commitment to the island’s development.
Health centre extension opens with expanded medical services
Several of the concerns voiced during the council meeting pertained directly to healthcare services, an area the president addressed with the opening of a new extension to the Himandhoo Health Centre.
The facility now includes specialised units for public health services, tobacco cessation, and non-communicable diseases, as well as dedicated clinics for maternal and child health. President Muizzu pledged to upgrade the centre’s laboratory facilities and ensure the provision of necessary human resources by next year. The initiative aims to enhance the quality of healthcare available on the island and reduce the need for residents to travel elsewhere for medical services.
New water and sewerage systems replace outdated infrastructure
The expansion of healthcare services formed part of a wider push to improve essential utilities on the island. President Muizzu also officiated the inauguration of Himandhoo’s newly established water and sewerage systems, addressing critical infrastructure deficits.
Previously, the island relied on a rudimentary sewerage system constructed by residents and lacked a formal water supply network. The completed water system includes a 6.35-kilometre main pipe network, a Reverse Osmosis (RO) facility building, two RO plants, and three water storage tanks. Water meters have been installed in households, and services are now fully operational.
The sewerage system comprises a 5.31-kilometre main network, a 956-metre pumping line, an administrative building, three pumping stations, and one sea outfall. Residential connections have been completed, providing the island with a comprehensive and modern sanitation infrastructure.
Police station project launched as part of national law enforcement plan
With basic services now in place, the administration has turned its attention to strengthening law enforcement infrastructure. The foundation stone for a new police station in Himandhoo was laid during the president’s visit, marking the commencement of practical work on the project.
The ceremony was officiated by Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, with dignitaries including Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen, Road Development Corporation (RDC) Managing Director Ibrahim Nazeem, and the President of Himandhoo Council in attendance.
The project, undertaken by RDC, aligns with the administration’s policy to establish police stations on all inhabited islands within two years. Work has already begun on similar facilities nationwide, reflecting a concerted effort to enhance law enforcement services across the country.
Council president defends oversight amendments, rejects claims of power erosion
While addressing the meeting with the residents, Himandhoo Council President Husham Ismail endorsed recent amendments to the Decentralisation Act, asserting that the legislative revisions do not obstruct island development or compromise the statutory powers of local councils. Addressing the residents, the council president clarified that although initial reactions from several councils reflected concern, the amendments are intended to reinforce financial oversight and uphold accountability across local governance.
The revised provisions introduce stricter controls on expenditure and require closer scrutiny of financial transactions. Early opposition stemmed from fears that the changes would restrict operational autonomy, he said, a concern echoed by the Himandhoo Council in its initial response. Upon further review, however, the council concluded that the amendments do not revoke any powers previously granted under the law. The reassessment followed growing evidence of budgetary misuse among certain councils, prompting calls for reform.
Ismail also rejected claims that the amendments had shortened the councils’ term by one year, along with suggestions that supervisory approval requirements impose an administrative burden. The revised framework is viewed as a corrective measure, offering councils previously engaged in unsustainable spending an opportunity to operate with greater efficiency. He also dismissed assertions that the decentralised system has suffered unprecedented damage as unfounded.
Presidential visit coincides with launch of USD 1.78 million harbour development project
The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure awarded a USD 1.78 million harbour development contract to the state-owned Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), coinciding with President Muizzu’s visit to Himandhoo.
The agreement, signed on Tuesday, initiates a 390-day construction timeline intended to improve maritime access and coastal resilience for the island’s 910 residents. Deputy Managing Director Ahmed Shareef Abdul Rahman Yoosuf signed on behalf of MTCC, while State Minister Hassan Rasheed represented the ministry.
MTCC has outlined a comprehensive scope of works for the project. It includes the dredging of 29,125.29 cubic metres from the lagoon to deepen navigation channels, alongside the construction of a 168-metre rock breakwater designed to shield the harbour from adverse sea conditions. A 104-metre rock revetment will be installed to stabilise the coastline. Additional components comprise a 16-metre concrete quay wall to enhance berthing facilities and a 58-metre jetty to support maritime operations.
Presidential tour begins with warm reception in Himandhoo
Himandhoo marked the first stop in a wider presidential tour of Alifu Alifu Atoll, where similar development initiatives are expected to follow. President Muizzu received a warm welcome upon arrival, with senior officials from the local council, government institutions, and residents extending a cordial reception.
As part of the tour, the President is scheduled to visit eight islands: Thoddoo, Rasdhoo, Ukulhas, Mathiveri, Bodufolhudhoo, Feridhoo, Maalhos, and Himandhoo.