Tourism, Housing, and Health at Centre of Dhiffushi’s Growth as President Muizzu Pledges Near Doubling of Land

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to double the land area of Dhiffushi in Kaafu Atoll, outlining a far-reaching infrastructure programme designed to ease spatial constraints and expand essential services for the island’s growing population.

Addressing residents during a community meeting, the president detailed a series of development initiatives, including land reclamation, healthcare upgrades, educational expansion, and targeted support for tourism. The measures reflect his administration’s broader strategy to stimulate growth across outer islands.

Land reclamation project to nearly double the island’s size within a year

The centrepiece of the president’s visit was the land reclamation project, which he confirmed is already underway. “The island currently measures 27 hectares. An additional 23 hectares are being incorporated into the island through this project,” he stated.

He committed to a firm timeline for completion. “The guarantee I provide is that this project will be completed within one year. Once the work has begun, the project will be carried forward without interruption; we will reclaim the land, protect the newly reclaimed area, and finalise the work within one year.”

The expanded land area is expected to support new housing, tourism infrastructure, and urban development, which the president described as critical to the island’s future.

New infrastructure aims to unlock housing, tourism, and urban development

The president underscored that the reclaimed land would serve as a foundation for multiple sectors. He identified housing, local tourism, and broader urban development as priority areas for expansion, underscoring the strategic importance of the project in addressing the island’s long-term needs.

Dhiffushi’s growing role in the tourism sector prompted a commitment to install a US dollar ATM, aimed at facilitating commerce and improving financial access for visitors and residents alike.

“We will install and complete [US] dollar ATMs in 40 islands within a period of five months. These [US] dollar ATMs are being placed in islands that conduct tourism business on a wide scale, as well as in cities, urban centres, and islands with large populations. Specifically for this island, the ATM installation will be completed before March.”

School expansion, mosque construction, and roadworks included in next year’s budget

Plans for social infrastructure were also outlined, with the president confirming that school development will continue through the construction of a multipurpose hall, general classrooms, and facilities for students requiring specialised support. He stated that construction of a new mosque will begin this year, with the project to be awarded to a designated contractor.

Next year’s budget will include funding for the island’s road network, including a drainage and water outfall system. Recreational facilities are also planned, with volleyball and handball courts to be built.

Health centre to operate 24 hours and offer diagnostic services

Healthcare improvements are scheduled for the coming year, with Dhiffushi’s health centre set to transition to 24-hour operations. The budget will provide for additional staff, including doctors and attendants.

The facility is slated for physical expansion to support the introduction of advanced diagnostic capabilities, including X-ray imaging and scan services, as part of the island’s upgraded healthcare provision.

To support recreational and economic activity, a buoy will be installed near the island to facilitate sports fishing.

Council outlines education, health, and safety priorities

President Muizzu met with members of the Dhiffushi Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee, and institutional heads during his visit, where he also inaugurated key infrastructure and presided over the launch of several development initiatives.

Council representatives presented a range of priorities, including the establishment of higher secondary education facilities and the expansion of the island’s health centre to include X-ray and scanning services, a conference hall, and 24-hour operations. Requests also focused on extending water and sewerage services to the industrial zone, constructing a second mosque, and developing roads to support local tourism.

The council further called for the establishment of a new police station to enhance public safety, alongside youth-focused infrastructure such as a handball court, a volleyball court, and a dedicated youth centre.

New powerhouse triples Dhiffushi’s energy capacity

President Muizzu also presided over the opening of the new powerhouse in Dhiffushi, operated by the State Electric Company (STELCO). The facility represents a major upgrade in the island’s energy infrastructure, with an installable capacity of 7 megawatts, more than triple the previous 2.2 megawatts.

The project encompassed the construction of the powerhouse building, a customer service centre, and a surrounding boundary wall. STELCO confirmed that the facility includes an engine room, control room, office section, and accommodation block. Construction began on 26 June 2024 and was completed on 30 April 2025. Following the inauguration, President Muizzu toured the new office complex.

Land reclamation project begins to address space constraints

Physical works on the Dhiffushi land reclamation project were formally initiated during the presidential visit. The ceremony was led by Dr Abdulla Muththalib, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure. Government officials stated that the project will add 30 hectares of land to the island, creating essential space for housing, commercial activity, and economic development.

Waste management centre launched to strengthen environmental infrastructure

Groundwork was laid for a dedicated Waste Management Centre in Dhiffushi, part of a national effort to reinforce environmental services across the country. The initiative aims to eliminate barriers to safe waste disposal and extend waste management systems beyond the Malé region. The project was formally launched by Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Tourism and Environment, and has been assigned to the Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO).

Fitness and recreation centre breaks ground to expand island sports access

The visit also included the groundbreaking ceremony for a new fitness and recreation centre, part of a government-led initiative to broaden access to sports and wellness facilities across inhabited islands. The project is being executed by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).

The ceremony was officiated by Abdulla Rafiu, Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation. The centres are designed to accommodate a range of activities, including board games, indoor gymnasiums, aerobics, and other indoor sports.