President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced the construction of a 30-bed hospital in Hanimadhoo is now at the pre-bidding phase and will be open for tender this year.
He made the announcement at a meeting held with Hanimaadhoo Island Council and Hanimaadhoo Women's Development Committee (WDC). The meeting was held at the Barefoot Eco Hotel in Hanimadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
Speaking at the meeting, the councillors highlighted concerns regarding ongoing developmental efforts and discussed pertinent issues relevant to the needs of residents of the island. The councillors also noted rapid development had been observed on the island with the projects being carried out by the government.
They stressed the need to initiate the Hanimaadhoo International Airport developmental project at the earliest, noting that the airport is crucial to the development of the region. They also deliberated on several pertinent topics such as the need for better housing, healthcare, road development, transport, utility management, education, and social development in Hanimaadhoo.
Meanwhile, members of the Hanimaadhoo WDC noted the urgent need for a resident gynaecologist, scanning services, and a volleyball court for the women on the island. The committee also shared details of various programmes and future activities.
President Solih addressed the concerns raised by the island councillors and the members of the WDC, affirming the airport development project would be vital to the advancement of the economy and tourism industry of the entire region. President Solih also shared the latest details of the projects being carried out by the government. In this regard, he said the government had earmarked a 100-housing unit project on the island to resolve the housing deficit faced by residents, adding the government plans to include it in the state budget for next year. The construction of the 30-bed hospital is now at the pre-bidding phase, stated the president.
Moreover, First Lady Fazna Ahmed separately met with members of the WDC and held discussions regarding the concerns and challenges in the operation of the committee and future objectives. She was accompanied at the meeting by Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Ali and other officials.
During the meeting, the WDC discussed key issues of interest and shared their concerns, especially regarding the need for a platform to market food products produced by women.
First Lady Fazna shared her insight on addressing the issues and concerns shared by the WDC. She emphasised the need of incorporating community ideas into the island's development, noting the significance of strategic planning during the development phase.