President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured that 12 hectares of land will be reclaimed in Fulidhoo, Vaavu Atoll to be carried out concurrently with the harbour development project.
He gave the assurance while addressing the community during his visit to the island, the first stop on his ongoing eight-day tour of four atolls, which commenced on Friday.
Addressing residents during a community meeting, the President noted that, though land reclamation is a presidential pledge, the project cannot proceed without proper community endorsement. He stressed that the Island Council must provide documentation confirming that the initiative has the full support of residents.
He reflected on a recent instance on another island, where the government had to terminate a land reclamation project after the community withdrew support, despite relevant agreements having been signed.
Highlighting the island’s growing local tourism sector, the President underlined the community’s wish to preserve the natural beauty of Fulidhoo’s lagoon and sea. He added that he too wished for the land reclamation to be carried out in a way that does not compromise the island’s aesthetic appeal.
On this note, he confirmed that practical work on reclamation would begin next year, once the community’s decision has been communicated to the authorities.
As a key contributor to tourism, President Dr Muizzu recognised the island’s need for foreign exchange and announced that a US dollar ATM would be installed before March next year.
During the community meeting, the President also witnessed the signing of an agreement between the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation and Proxy Group Private Limited for the construction of a volleyball court. He further announced that practical work on the island’s futsal ground would begin later this year.
Fulidhoo Celebrates Historic Presidential Visit
Speaking during the community meeting, Fulidhoo Island Council President Mohamed Imthiyaz celebrated the significant departure from past precedent, highlighting the President’s visit to Fulidhoo as the first time a sitting Maldivian head of state has travelled to the island without the context of an impending election.
Imthiyaz declared the day “historic,” noting that since the advent of free and fair elections, no President had visited outside of campaigning for presidential or parliamentary elections. He also stated the high-level delegation of accompanying ministers was “clear proof” of the administration’s prioritisation of public concerns.
Fulidhoo Harbour Development Commences
The visit also saw the practical work for the development of Fulidhoo harbour officially kickoff. At a ceremony held in Fulidhoo, the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib, formally inaugurated the project, with President Muizzu in attendance.
This vital infrastructure upgrade is being undertaken by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), as Fulidhoo, home to approximately 500 residents, is notably one of the few islands lacking a proper harbour, and its existing facility is significantly undersized for community needs.
Healthcare Service Enhancement
To coincide with the President’s visit, Fulidhoo’s Health Centre Extension Project was officially awarded to the state-owned Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).
The development of a 20-bed facility is part of a wider national initiative to enhance healthcare services throughout the Maldives.
Fulidhoo Joins BML ATM Service Network
President Dr Muizzu, during the visit also officially inaugurated the Bank of Maldives (BML) ATM service in Fulidhoo. Following the launch, the President handed over a souvenir bank card to the island council, marking the commencement of operations.
This new BML ATM facility will provide essential 24-hour cash withdrawal and deposit services, as well as convenient bill payment and transfer options for both individuals and businesses within the community. This installation is part of a broader initiative, under which BML ATMs have now been successfully installed in all inhabited islands across 11 atolls.
President Discusses Development Priorities with Community Leaders
The President took time to meet with the Fulidhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities.
During the meeting, Council members outlined the developmental projects most needed on the island. In addition to the development projects initiated today, they highlighted the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to land erosion and stressed the need for a US dollar ATM. In addition, they requested changes to the concept design of the proposed land reclamation initiative.
Over the course of the tour, the President will visit all inhabited islands across four atolls, covering a total of 31 islands.
This trip is part of the President’s initiative to tour all Maldivian atolls and engage directly with councils at the island, atoll, and city levels.