President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that the proposed causeway connecting Kin’bidhoo and Veymandoo in Thaa Atoll will usher in significant economic benefits for Kin’bidhoo and the wider atoll.
The President made these remarks during the community meeting with the people of Kin’bidhoo as part of his ongoing marathon tour of four atolls, where he outlined a comprehensive array of development projects planned for the island.
Reiterating his campaign pledge, President Dr Muizzu confirmed his commitment to making the Kin’bidhoo-Veymandoo Causeway a reality. He revealed that an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the project was opened on the 22 September which has since generated considerable interest from investors. The ambitious infrastructure project is slated to proceed on a contractor finance basis, integrated with a broader tourism development initiative.
The President underscored that this project is expected to generate numerous employment opportunities and population consolidation efforts.
"There will be major developments with the causeway. I assure you that this project will be completed. It will be a very important project of regional development," he explained.
Further details provided by the President included an investor's commitment to opening a resort in Thaa Atoll before the end of next year. Additionally, the government has significant plans for the 25 hectares of reclaimed land in Kin’bidhoo, which will include housing projects and other governmental initiatives, with announcements expected soon.
Addressing other pivotal community needs, President Dr Muizzu highlighted planned developments for the youth centre, a new police station, and extensive road construction, all set to bring major improvements to the island.
He also confirmed that his administration would work closely with the company already awarded the project to accelerate the development of the health centre. In sports and recreation, the football ground is set to receive significant upgrades, including fencing, new lighting, a renovated staircase, and improved changing rooms.
The ground will also be developed to accommodate handball, with all sports facility works commissioned and commenced within the next two months, the President detailed.
Kin’bidhoo Road Modernisation Project Launched
President Dr Muizzu, during the visit witnessed the official inauguration of the long-awaited road modernisation project in Kin’bidhoo.
The project officially inaugurated by the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib and Road Development Corporation (RDC) Managing Director Ibrahim Nazeem, signifies a significant a giant step towards improving local infrastructure.
The RDC has been tasked with a nationwide road development effort, with a specific focus on addressing the needs of residents. In Kin’bidhoo, the project prioritises the development of roads leading to main institutions and those in critical disrepair, with plans to integrate irrigation systems. The government anticipates that the completion of this project will provide Kin’bidhoo residents with modern, high-quality roadways.
Public Safety Boost with Police Station Project
The construction of the new Police Station in Kin’bidhoo was officially kick-started during the President’s visit to the island.
The foundation stone for the police station, which is being constructed by Fenaka Corporation Limited, was laid by the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusan.
This development aligns with the government's ambitious plan to establish police stations in all islands across Maldives within the next two years, a strategic move aimed at significantly bolstering efforts to create a safer society for all citizens.
MTCC Wraps Up Kin’bidhoo Land Reclamation Project
The President’s visit also marked the successful conclusion of the crucial land reclamation work in Kin’bidhoo, marking a significant milestone in addressing the island's persistent land shortage.
The Kin’bidhoo land reclamation project, mobilised on 18 April last year, was awarded to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) in August 2023. MTCC has now completed the complex dredging operations on 24 March this year, reclaiming a substantial 25 hectares of new land on the eastern side of the island.
This extensive endeavour, representing a government investment of over USD 9.6 million, is expected to provide a permanent solution to the housing and land needs of Kin’bidhoo's approximately 1,500 residents.
President Engages with Community Leaders
President Dr Muizzu also met with members of the Kin’bidhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee, and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities.
During the discussions, Council members outlined the island’s most urgent development needs. They highlighted space constraints and emphasised the need for improved educational facilities. The Council also stressed the importance of upgrading the island harbour and developing a futsal pitch and a volleyball court in the island.
The President assured participants that the Government would take their concerns into account. He was accompanied by Cabinet ministers and senior officials from State-Owned Enterprises, who provided updates on ongoing development projects.
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.