President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced a wide-ranging development programme for Kumundhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, pledging targeted interventions across critical infrastructure, public services, and community facilities. The announcement, delivered during the final stop of his four-day tour of Haa Dhaalu Atoll, reflects the administration’s commitment to equitable development across the region.
A new harbour to resolve longstanding challenges
At the centre of the president’s remarks was the resolution of persistent issues surrounding Kumundhoo’s harbour. President Muizzu confirmed that a new harbour would be constructed at an alternative site, selected in consultation with the local community. He cited his prior involvement with the harbour project during his tenure as Minister of Housing, noting that the current location had proven unsuitable for sustainable use.
Construction is expected to commence within two months, with the project prioritised for swift completion. The new harbour will include a designated swimming area, intended to serve both practical and recreational purposes, the president said.
Roads and utilities to support daily life and commerce
The development agenda extends to the island’s road network, where contracts have been awarded for modernisation works. The Road Development Corporation (RDC) has been tasked with implementation, with the president underscoring the role of improved connectivity in facilitating daily movement and supporting local enterprise.
Essential services have also seen notable progress, as during his visit, President Muizzu formally inaugurated Kumundhoo’s water and sewerage systems, marking a significant milestone in utility provision. Plans to upgrade the electricity infrastructure and enhance waste management systems were also outlined in the president's address, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to foundational improvements.
Education and healthcare to meet growing community needs
Investments in education form a key component of the development plan, according to President Muizzu. A multipurpose hall is set to be constructed at the local school, with physical works scheduled to begin within two months. The president further pledged to include additional facilities, such as staff rooms and laboratories, in the upcoming national budget, responding to the evolving needs of the academic community.
Healthcare infrastructure is poised for advancement through a new initiative targeting the island’s health centre. The project is expected to strengthen service delivery and expand access to medical care for residents.
Sports facilities to be completed and expanded
Community engagement also featured prominently in the president’s address, particularly in relation to sports infrastructure. Acknowledging the incomplete scope of the Kumundhoo football field project, President Muizzu committed to its full completion by assigning the remaining works to an additional contractor. The futsal field, currently in disrepair, will be refurbished with new turf, and a handball court is slated for construction under a nationwide initiative scheduled for next year, the president added.
Local resilience and regional planning anchored in feasibility
The president's development blueprint also includes measures to support Kumundhoo’s agricultural sector, with plans to establish necessary facilities for local production. These efforts, he assured, would be complemented by broader improvements in energy and waste systems to enhance the island’s sustainability and operational resilience.
Concluding his tour in Kumundhoo, President Muizzu reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering tangible progress across all islands within Haa Dhaalu Atoll. He assured residents that each project announced or initiated during the visit was grounded in confirmed feasibility and meticulous planning, reflecting a governance approach focused on accountability and responsiveness to public aspirations.
President inaugurates water and sewerage systems in Kumundhoo
During the visit, President Muizzu formally inaugurated the newly completed water and sewerage systems in Kumundhoo during an official engagement with island residents, marking the conclusion of a major infrastructure initiative aimed at addressing longstanding deficiencies in essential public utilities.
The USD 6.62 million project, awarded to the Malé Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) in January 2021, was scheduled for completion within 18 months. Under its scope, a Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant has been installed, and water connections have been extended to all households on the island.
For Kumundhoo’s population of over 1,400, the absence of safe drinking water and a functioning sewerage system had necessitated reliance on contaminated sources and resulted in recurrent overflow of sewage junctions in residential areas. With the project now concluded, residents anticipate relief from persistent public health and environmental concerns.
Work begins on health centre extension as part of national upgrade
Construction has commenced on the extension of the Kumundhoo Health Centre, part of a broader government initiative to modernise healthcare infrastructure across the atolls. The project is being executed by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).
The groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, accompanied by MTCC Managing Director Ahmed Saudee and the Island Council President. Plans call for a two-storey building spanning approximately 7,800 square feet.
Work will encompass excavation, masonry, concrete laying, tiling, installation of doors and windows, painting, and iron works. The development also includes hydraulic systems, drainage, electrical wiring, a medical gas system, air conditioning, and fire suppression mechanisms. Valued at USD 1.77 million, the extension is scheduled for completion within 360 days and is expected to significantly enhance access to medical services on the island.
Police station construction launched to expand public safety
The construction of a new police station in Kumundhoo has officially commenced, marking a key step in the government’s commitment to expanding public safety infrastructure. The launch was held during President Muizzu’s visit to the island.
An inauguration ceremony was convened to mark the occasion, with President Muizzu in attendance. The foundation stone was laid by Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan.
The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has been tasked with executing the USD 142,684.45 project, which is expected to be completed within 150 days. Once completed, the 1,600 square-foot police post will be equipped to deliver comprehensive law enforcement services. The initiative forms part of a presidential pledge to establish police stations on every inhabited island within two years.
Road development agreement signed to support island infrastructure
The Road Development Corporation (RDC) has been commissioned to modernise Kumundhoo’s road network, under an agreement formalised during President Muizzu’s tour of Haa Dhaalu Atoll. The agreement was signed by Hassan Rasheed, State Minister for Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, and Ibrahim Nazeem, Managing Director of RDC.
During his visit, President Muizzu addressed residents and underscored the strategic importance of road development, describing it as essential to the island’s broader economic and infrastructural progress.
Bank of Maldives ATM services launched to improve financial access
President Muizzu inaugurated Bank of Maldives (BML) ATM services in Kumundhoo during his visit to the island. To mark the occasion, he presented a commemorative bank card to the Kumundhoo Island Council.
The newly installed ATM offers 24-hour access to banking services, including cash withdrawals, deposits, bill payments, and fund transfers, serving both individuals and businesses. The installation is part of President Muizzu’s pledge to ensure ATM access in all inhabited islands across the country.
Haa Dhaalu Atoll achieves full ATM coverage under national rollout
Haa Dhaalu Atoll has become the ninth atoll in the Maldives to achieve full coverage of Bank of Maldives (BML) ATM services across all inhabited islands, under the nationwide ATM installation initiative. The milestone was reached as President Muizzu inaugurated services in ten islands previously lacking such facilities.
Newly launched self-service ATMs have been installed in Finey, Hanimaadhoo, Naivaadhoo, Nellaidhoo, Nolhivaran, Nolhivaranfaru, Vaikaradhoo, Neykurendhoo, Kurin’bi, and Kumundhoo. This expansion ensures that the entire Thiladhunmathi region now benefits from comprehensive ATM coverage. Prior to this, BML had already established ATM services in all inhabited islands of Haa Alifu, Shaviyani, Dhaalu, Noonu, Baa, Kaafu, and Meemu atolls.
These ATMs operate continuously, offering a range of banking transactions beyond basic financial services. The nationwide installation project, initiated by BML in November 2024 and overseen by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, is expected to conclude by year-end. The initiative aims to enhance financial inclusion and stimulate economic growth in island communities.
BML’s banking network currently comprises 42 branches, 156 self-service banking centres, 215 ATMs, agent banking services, and advanced online banking platforms, supporting individuals, enterprises, and communities throughout the country. The bank’s ATM services were first introduced in 2000, with expansion to the atolls commencing in 2007.