President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving and developing the Madivaru lagoon for the benefit of the residents of Rasdhoo, Alifu Alifu Atoll. He made the remarks during his visit to the island as part of his tour of the Atoll.
Addressing island residents, the President reiterated his pledge to preserve and develop the Madivaru lagoon as both a potential tourist spot and a space for general community use. As part of the initiative, he announced that geobags would be installed to strengthen the shoreline, alongside the development of picnic areas and local tourism facilities. He further noted that 200 hectares designated as part of the island would be reclaimed to provide land for residential and industrial purposes. The reclamation project, he said, would commence once the harbour development and lagoon projects reach completion.
Meeting with Community Leaders
Earlier in the day, the President met with the Rasdhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s most pressing development priorities.
During the discussions, Council members urged the expedition of the harbour development project alongside the sandbank development. They also requested the completion of the development projects on the island without delays. Additionally, the Council members briefed the President on the difficulties caused by the delays in the harbour development project, and raised concerns regarding space constraints at the school as well as the shortage of staff at the Health Centre.
During the meeting, President Dr Muizzu assured the Council that the government would work towards practical solutions to the issues raised. He also provided updates on ongoing development projects, accompanied by Cabinet Ministers and senior officials from State-Owned Enterprises.
Additional Commitments for Rasdhoo
In his address to the island residents, the President highlighted his administration’s focus on resolving the challenges around the harbour project. In this regard, he emphasised that technical and engineering expertise will be sought to deliver a sustainable solution, assuring residents that a comprehensive resolution would be achieved.
The President further announced that the construction of a new mosque will commence once a suitable plot of land has been allocated. He explained that the project had not progressed as the island council had set a high price for the land. However, no islands have imposed such charges for land allocated for mosques, he noted.
Additionally, the President revealed that a 10,000-square-foot area, currently used by the island’s Police Station would be transferred to the Council. This land, he explained, would be repurposed for commercial use by the community, adding that the prime location would enable the Council to utilise it effectively for the benefit of residents.
The President emphasised that this was his second visit to Rasdhoo, and expressed hope that his next visit would be to mark the completion of the ongoing projects in Rasdhoo.
Passport and ID Card Services Launched
As part of the visit, passport and national identity card issuance services were launched in Rasdhoo by the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan.
It is an important policy of President Dr Muizzu to expand passport and national identity card issuance services across the Maldives. On 16 November last year, President Muizzu launched the nationwide project to expand the delivery of national identity cards and passports. Services have now been expanded to a total of 13 atolls, with the aim of covering all atolls by the end of 2025. The services are also available in Malaysia, where a large number of Maldivians reside, marking the first international expansion of the service.
Infrastructural Development for Rasdhoo
The contract to construct a three-storey building to address the space constraints faced by the Alifu Alifu Atoll Education Centre was handed over to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) as part of the visit. The agreement was signed on behalf of the government by the Minister of Education, Dr Ismail Shafeeu, while MTCC was represented by its Managing Director, Ahmed Saudi.
President Dr Muizzu highlighted the new school building as a key initiative for the island, adding that once completed, it would include a skills lab, computer lab, prayer room, library, and a multipurpose hall; all facilities that would help alleviate current space constraints.
An agreement was also signed between the Road Development Corporation (RDC) and the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure to develop Rasdhoo’s roads. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Construction, Dr Abdulla Muththalib on behalf of the government, while RDC was represented by its Managing Director, Ibrahim Nazeem.
The President noted that the project will be designed to meet the demands created by local tourism and other development initiatives, in line with the aspiration of the residents. He stressed that the government would not impose road tarring on islands, acknowledging that some councils prefer sandy roads for tourism appeal. Instead, the government would assist by providing equipment and vehicles for road maintenance and flood prevention.
For the sports sector, an agreement was signed between the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) to construct a sports complex in Rasdhoo. Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu signed the agreement on behalf of the government, while MACL was represented by its Managing Director, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed.
Groundbreaking For New Council Building
A key event held as part of the President’s visit to Rasdhoo included the groundbreaking for Rasdhoo Council Secretariat, with the foundation stone laid by the Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar. The project was contracted to Rasheed Carpentry and Construction (RCC). The construction of the new council office building is part of the government's wider plan to build more than 100 new island council buildings within the current term.
New Hospital Building, Dialysis Service Launched
The President also launched dialysis services at the Alifu Alifu Atoll Hospital during his visit to Rasdhoo, in line with his vision of establishing dialysis centres across all atolls. The government believes the launch of the service at Alifu Alifu Atoll Hospital would ease the burden on kidney patients within the Atoll.
The foundation stone for the Alifu Alifu Atoll Hospital’s new building was also laid as part of the President’s visit to the island, by MInister of Health, Abdulla Nazim. The project, contracted to MTCC, will see the establishment of 50 additional beds at the hospital.
Presidential tour continues across Alifu Alifu Atoll
President Muizzu arrived in Rasdhoo on Wednesday afternoon, marking the seventh stop in his tour of inhabited islands within Alifu Alifu Atoll. He was received at the harbour by a large contingent of institutional leaders and residents, who extended a warm welcome.
The three-day tour encompasses eight islands, including Thoddoo, Rasdhoo, and Ukulhas, and forms part of a nationwide initiative to engage with councils across all atolls, islands, and cities. The president is accompanied by several ministers and senior officials from various government bodies.