President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Monday announced a transformative set of projects aimed at boosting local tourism infrastructure and dramatically improving public services in Dhigurah, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll.
The announcements made during a meeting with the Dhigurah community as part of his ongoing tour of the Atoll, the President underlined the government's commitment to prioritising development in key tourism islands.
Central to the development plan, according to the President is the establishment of a dedicated convention centre in Dhigurah, to be included in next year's budget, designed to further expand and professionalise the local tourism sector.
Recognizing Dhigurah’s status as one of the most extensive local tourism islands in the southern province, President Dr Muizzu stressed the necessity of parallel infrastructure upgrades.
“It is important to improve the roads, especially in such a island where local tourism is widely practiced,” the President stated, assuring residents that islands’ roads would be upgraded to meet community standards.
This initiative is being paired with the construction of a new school building, with agreements for both the road and school projects formally signed during the visit.
Beyond infrastructure, President Dr Muizzu outlined significant social and economic initiatives. In addition to the conversion of the island’s health centre to a 24-hour operation, he pledged to accelerate the completion of the local mosque and promised the development of a football stadium next year. To address the persistent housing crisis, the relevant government agencies will assist in amending the land use plan to allocate at least 50 new plots, he said.
Additionally, the 2026 budget will include funds for an accommodation block for non-local employees serving in village institutions, part of the government’s New Policy Initiative.
The President concluded his address by noting that the purpose of his Atoll visits is precisely to understand local needs and shape government projects accordingly.
To cater to the thriving guest house market, which currently features over 35 establishments, the President also confirmed the installation of a dollar ATM early next year. Dhigurah, home to over 700 people, currently boasts a robust capacity for local tourism, a sector the new measures are designed to sustain and expand.
The President during his visit witnessed the official inauguration of the island health centre’s extension building along with the groundbreaking on the new Police station and coastal protection project.
During the visit, President Dr Muizzu also met with members of the Dhigurah Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee, and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities.
Council members, during the meeting, highlighted the most pressing needs of the island’s residents. Concerns were raised regarding delays in upgrading the harbour, the need for improved road accessibility, and the construction of a football ground for the island’s youth. Institutional heads also voiced concerns about the limited classroom space in the local school.
Additionally, council members underscored the importance of installing a dollar ATM, establishing a convention centre, and developing a dedicated sports facility to boost community engagement and support local economic activity.
President Dr Muizzu assured participants that the Government would give due consideration to their concerns.