President Dr Mohamed Muizzu visited Kudarikilu on Monday, marking the second stop in his official tour of Baa Atoll. The visit underscored the administration's emphasis on decentralised development, with the president accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior officials from state-owned enterprises. His engagements on the island focused on infrastructure priorities and the fulfilment of campaign pledges.
Pledges revisited as development agenda gains momentum
In a public address to the island's residents, President Muizzu recalled his earlier campaign visit and reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on promises made. He stated that logistical barriers previously impeding development had been resolved, enabling the rapid implementation of key projects across Kudarikilu and neighbouring islands.
Among the initiatives prioritised was the long-delayed water and sewerage system. The president announced that preparatory work had been completed and that construction would begin within the month. With a projected timeline of six months, the project is expected to proceed swiftly. Road development, assigned to the Road Development Corporation (RDC), is scheduled to commence immediately following the completion of the water and sewerage works, the president said.
Education, health, and recreation projects set for acceleration
Attention turned to educational infrastructure as President Muizzu pledged to restart and accelerate stalled construction efforts at the island's school, including plans to develop a multipurpose hall upon completion. In the health sector, he noted that the upgrade of the island's health centre had commenced. Plans for a new mosque were outlined, contingent upon the local council securing the requisite land.
The president additionally announced forthcoming investments in sports infrastructure, including a full-sized football pitch, a fitness and recreation centre, and a handball court. He concluded by assuring residents that he would personally monitor the progress of all projects to ensure their successful completion.
Local council voices concerns over infrastructure and land use
The visit also included a strategic meeting with members of the Kudarikilu Island Council, the Women's Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions. Held at Kudarikilu School, the session provided a platform for community representatives to present development priorities and raise concerns directly with the president.
Council members called for the expedited completion of the water and sewerage project and proposed the acquisition of a nearby uninhabited island to benefit local residents. Coastal erosion was identified as a critical issue, prompting appeals for a sustainable mitigation strategy. Additional concerns included delays in the school building project, limitations in electricity supply to remote areas, and space constraints affecting both the Council offices and the healthcare centre.
In response, President Muizzu pledged that the government would review all issues presented and work towards appropriate solutions. He also provided updates on current development efforts, reaffirming his administration's commitment to addressing the concerns raised by local leadership.
Health centre construction commences with groundbreaking ceremony
A key milestone in the island's development was marked by the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone for the new health centre building. The event, held during the president's visit, was officiated by Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim.
The project has been awarded to Fenaka Corporation, with a contractual timeline of one year and a total cost of USD 495,607.56. It forms part of the government's broader strategy to enhance healthcare infrastructure across the country, with a particular focus on upgrading healthcare centres and hospitals.
Financial access expanded through new ATM services
The president's itinerary also included the inauguration of the newly established Bank of Maldives (BML) ATM service on Kudarikilu, significantly improving financial accessibility for residents. Kudarikilu is the 39th island to receive this service under the nationwide ATM expansion initiative.
The provision of ATM services in all inhabited islands is a central pledge of President Muizzu's administration. In pursuit of this goal, BML has launched a large-scale effort to install ATMs in 100 islands within the current year. To mark the occasion, President Muizzu conducted a symbolic cash withdrawal from the ATM. A commemorative bank card was subsequently presented to the Kudarikilu Council and received by Council President Abdul Hannan Abbas.
The new self-service ATM offers comprehensive 24-hour banking services for individuals and businesses, including cash withdrawals, deposits, bill payments, and fund transfers. It also facilitates credit card and loan repayments. According to BML, the Kudarikilu ATM forms part of a national network of over 250 machines.
The joint initiative between the government and BML aims to ensure convenient and accessible banking services for all Maldivians. To date, ATM services have been successfully launched in all inhabited islands across six atolls: Haa Alifu, Shaviyani, Dhaalu, Noonu, Meemu, and Kaafu.