President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured the farmers of Kan'doodhoo, Thaa Atoll that the Government will ensure the State Trading Organisation’s (STO) imports do not adversely impact their livelihoods.
He made these remarks during a meeting with the people of Kan'doodhoo, as part of his ongoing tour of inhabited islands across four atolls.
Highlighting Kan'doodhoo’s significance as a centre for chilli cultivation, the President assured that STO would adopt a system enabling farmers to earn fair profits while ensuring the benefits are felt within the local community. He further announced that a team from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare would be dispatched to Kan'doodhoo to address cultivation challenges and reduce production costs, with the aim of maximising benefits for the island’s farmers.
Regarding the island's development, the President updated residents on the stalled water and sewerage project, explaining the causes of the delay and outlining the Government’s efforts to expedite completion. He confirmed that a decision would soon be made on whether to terminate the existing contract or transfer the work to the Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC).
The President also assured residents that the renovation of the school, upgrades to the health centre, and improvements to sports grounds and facilities would be delivered and further enhanced.
In addition, he announced that as part of the effort to extend RTL ferry services to all islands, services to Kan'doodhoo would officially commence tonight.
During the meeting, agreements were signed for the construction of a dedicated jetty at Kan'doodhoo harbour, a land reclamation project, and the island’s road development project.
Kan'doodhoo Council Secretariat Project Launched
The President during his visit witnessed the groundbreaking on the new Kan'doodhoo Council Secretariat building.
This project is part of a broader government initiative to develop and replace over 100 run-down island council buildings nationwide within the next five years.
Rasheed Carpentry and Constructions (RCC) has been awarded the contract for this significant undertaking, which encompasses the construction of 55 new council offices across the Atolls, a USD 40.9 million project that also includes boundary fencing and furnishing.
BML Expands ATM Reach to Kan'doodhoo
Bank of Maldives (BML) officially launched its ATM service in Kan'doodhoo, marking another step in its extensive nationwide expansion project.
The new 24-hour self-service banking center was inaugurated by President Dr Muizzu, during his visit who handed a commemorative bank card to the island council president to mark the official inauguration.
This initiative is part of BML's commitment to install ATMs across all islands in 13 atolls, a project overseen by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and slated for completion this year. The ATMs will provide essential services including cash withdrawals, deposits, bill payments, and transfers, supporting both individuals and businesses.
Kan'doodhoo Police Station Project Initiated
The construction of a new police station in Kan'doodhoo officially got off the ground to coincide with the President’s visit.
President Dr Muizzu attended the groundbreaking ceremony marking a significant step in enhancing local security. The project was officially inaugurated by by the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, with construction work tasked to Fenaka Corporation Limited.
This project is a key part of the government's ambitious two-year plan to establish police presence in all island across the nation, an initiative deemed crucial for the government's efforts to build a safer and more secure society.
Kan'doodhoo Roads Modernisation Project Signed
During President Dr Muizzu’s visit, an agreement for the significant modernisation of roads in Kan'doodhoo was made official, marking a crucial step forward for the island's infrastructure.
The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure awarded the contract to the Road Development Corporation (RDC), with Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib and RDC Managing Director Ibrahim Nazeem formalising the deal.
Valued at around USD 6 million, the comprehensive road development project is slated for completion within 730 days, promising enhanced connectivity and improved living conditions for residents of Kan'doodhoo, who were present at the signing ceremony.
Kan'doodhoo to Get New Jetty
The President’s visit also saw the official signing of an agreement construction of a separate jetty at the island harbour.
President Dr Muizzu witnessed Minister Dr Muththalib sign the contract alongside MTCC Managing Director Ahmed Saudee.
The project worth USD 486,381 entails constructing a 150-metre long and two-metre wide concrete jetty adjacent to the outer seawall of the Kan'doodhoo harbour within 150 days.
President Discusses Key Development Priorities with Kan'doodhoo Community Heads
Despite a rather full schedule in Kan'doodhoo, President Dr Muizzu took the time out to meet with the Kan'doodhoo Island Council, the Women's Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss key issues affecting residents.
The meeting took place at the Secretariat of the Kan'doodhoo Council, where members outlined the island’s main development priorities. They highlighted the urgent need for harbour expansion and improved access to RTL services, while also calling for the swift completion of delayed projects, particularly the water and sewerage system and the Health Centre. The Council further requested the installation of a fish aggregating device (FAD) to support sports fishing, greater resources for the school, and solutions to ongoing power supply issues.
The President assured participants that the Government would give due consideration to the matters raised. He was accompanied by ministers and senior officials from state-Owned Enterprises, who shared updates on ongoing projects on the island through the President.
Warm Welcome from Kan'doodhoo as Marathon Tour Continues
The President received a warm welcome at Kan'doodhoo during the fourth day of his ongoing marathon tour of four atolls.
President Dr Muizzu is on an extensive eight-day official visit across four atolls, engaging directly with local communities to discuss development needs and pressing issues.
This comprehensive tour is set to cover 31 islands across Vaavu, Meemu, Faafu, and Thaa Atolls, forming part of a broader series of visits to provinces across the country.
President Dr Muizzu is accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers and heads of government institutions, underscoring the government's commitment to addressing local concerns and fostering decentralised development.