President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged the swift commencement and completion of several critical development projects in Dhangethi, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll including the long-anticipated dredging project and harbour development, emphasising that all initiatives will align with the community's wishes.
His assurances came during a well-attended meeting with residents at the Dhangethi School Hall, part of his ongoing three-day tour of the inhabited islands of Alifu Dhaalu Atoll aimed at fulfilling election promises and understanding local needs firsthand.
Highlighting the importance of education, President Dr Muizzu announced that practical work on a new building for the Dhangethi School, comprising 10 classrooms and a multipurpose hall, would begin this year. Awarded to Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC), this project aims to swiftly address existing space constraints and significantly enhance learning facilities.
"The new building of the school will be a great convenience for the students, teachers, and parents," he stated, adding that the classrooms and hall would also be air-conditioned as part of the development.
The President also addressed the Dhangethi land reclamation project, linking it to the island’s housing and economic development needs which has been awarded to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). He reaffirmed that the design and planning for the harbour project would be tailored to the specific requirements of the local populace.
In a move to boost sports facilities for the youth, President Dr Muizzu committed to developing a modern football ground in Dhangethi, with plans to include it in next year's budget.
"In the field of sports, we have decided to build a modern football stadium on the island. The work will be included in next year's budget and the stadium will be developed with quality modern facilities," he explained.
Further pledges included the commencement of the Dhangethi Health Center's extension building this year, and the establishment of a Dollar ATM on the island before March next year. The President also assured that the construction of the Cultural Centre in Dhangethi, supported by the Government of India, would be expedited. He stressed that these projects are high priorities for his administration and would be made a reality.
A special plaque was presented to the President by the people of Dhangethi during the meeting, which saw a large turnout from the island, home to over a thousand residents spread across 25 hectares.
These pledges underscore the President's commitment to a nationwide development agenda, which also includes the ongoing initiative to establish outdoor gyms and fitness and recreation centers in various communities.
The President during his visit witnessed the groundbreaking on the new Dhangethi Police station, council secretariat building, fitness and recreation centre along with the official signing of the land reclamation project.
He also took time to meet with members of the Dhangethi Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee, and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s development priorities.
During the discussions, council members outlined several pressing priorities, including the expedited completion of the health centre extension and harbour expansion, as well as residents’ request for land reclamation. The council also appealed for the establishment of a Bank of Maldives branch and the installation of a dollar ATM on the island. In addition, they emphasised the need for urgent measures to mitigate coastal erosion, the modernisation of the football field, and improvements to the school infrastructure, including the construction of additional classrooms and buildings.
President Dr Muizzu assured participants that the Government would give due consideration to their concerns.