President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday visited Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll, inaugurating a series of development projects and engaging directly with residents and local officials. The visit, part of his ongoing tour of the region, underscored the administration’s commitment to decentralised governance and its stated priority of addressing community-specific needs through targeted infrastructure and policy interventions.
Housing commitments take centre stage
President Muizzu, speaking at a public gathering, reaffirmed his pledge to fulfil all development commitments made to Thulhaadhoo. He described the island’s advancement as a priority for his government and outlined several initiatives already underway. Chief among them is the construction of 100 new residential flats, scheduled for commencement within the year. The project has been tendered, bids have been received, and the allocation process will be overseen by the Island Council in consultation with residents, subject to ministerial approval.
Legal complications surrounding a housing initiative launched by the previous administration were also addressed. The president noted that the project had been rendered unfeasible following court rulings, and clarified that neither the current government nor the council could intervene.
Land formalisation and public service expansion
Land regularisation formed another key component of the president’s address. He pledged to formalise 119 plots of land that had been privately reclaimed by residents, following applications for official recognition. Infrastructure development was also highlighted, with confirmation that the Road Development Corporation had been assigned the island’s road construction project. Work is expected to begin shortly.
The expansion of healthcare services featured prominently in the president’s remarks. He announced that specialist doctors, specifically a gynaecologist and paediatrician, would soon be stationed on the island. The forthcoming national budget, he added, would include provisions for staffing and resources to strengthen the health sector.
Community amenities were also discussed. Responding to longstanding requests, President Muizzu addressed the desire to designate Emboodhoo as a picnic island. Although the island is currently leased for tourism under a 21-year agreement, he pledged to pursue its designation for public use without incurring financial loss to the State.
Island council meeting highlights local priorities
Earlier in the day, the president met with members of the Thulhaadhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions at Thulhaadhoo School. The meeting focused on urgent development priorities, including the designation of a picnic island, the acceleration of housing construction, and the completion of the island’s court building.
Council members raised additional concerns, including the need for spare parts for the power plant and the establishment of a handball court. Institutional representatives highlighted staffing shortages at both Thulhaadhoo School and the Health Centre, and requested repairs and administrative support.
President Muizzu assured attendees that all concerns would be reviewed comprehensively and addressed through appropriate government channels. He also provided updates on ongoing development projects. Cabinet ministers and senior officials from state-owned enterprises accompanied him during the meeting.
Airport development project officially commences
A major milestone during the visit was the commencement of practical work on the Thulhaadhoo Airport Development Project. While President Muizzu officiated the ceremony, the operational launch was led by Dr Abdulla Muththalib, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure.
The project entails the reclamation of 55.4 hectares of land to accommodate an 1,800-metre-long, 30-metre-wide runway built to Code 3C standards. It will also include 2,804 metres of rock revetment and 1,677 metres of geo-bag revetment.
Contract reassignment and environmental adjustments
The original contract for 44.70 hectares of land reclamation was awarded to Capital Marine & Construction in 2023, but was terminated due to delays. The project has since been re-awarded to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The formal agreement was signed in Eydhafushi, with Minister Muththalib representing the ministry and Ahmed Saudhee, Managing Director of MTCC, signing on behalf of the company.
Addressing residents, President Muizzu acknowledged initial delays in financial arrangements but assured that the project would now proceed without interruption. He noted that the previous administration had finalised the project with the then council without consulting residents, resulting in confusion that was addressed during his meeting with the current council.
A revision to the sand extraction method was also announced. While the original Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approved lagoon-based dredging using a cutter suction dredger, the government now plans to extract sand from outside the lagoon using a hopper dredger, a change expected to accelerate the project timeline. Completion is anticipated within approximately 660 days.
Law enforcement infrastructure strengthened
Law enforcement infrastructure was another focal point of the visit. President Muizzu attended the inauguration of construction of a new police station on Thulhaadhoo, advancing his administration’s pledge to expand policing services across all inhabited islands. The facility, being developed by Fenaka Corporation, will include a main station building, integrated detention cells, and a vehicle shed.
Senior officials in attendance included Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen, Fenaka Managing Director Mohamed Najaah, and Thulhaadhoo Council President Ibrahim Adhil.
The government has committed to establishing police stations on every inhabited island within two years. Construction has already commenced in several locations currently lacking formal law enforcement infrastructure, with officials describing the initiative as central to fostering a safer and more secure society.
Presidential tour continues across Baa Atoll
President Muizzu arrived in Thulhaadhoo on Tuesday morning, marking the fifth stop in his tour of Baa Atoll. He was welcomed by senior officials, institutional representatives, and residents of all ages.
The tour, scheduled from 11 to 14 August, includes visits to 13 inhabited islands: Kamadhoo, Kudarikilu, Kendhoo, Eydhafushi, Thulhaadhoo, Goidhoo, Fehendhoo, Fulhadhoo, Hithaadhoo, Kihaadhoo, Dhonfanu, Dharavandhoo, and Maalhos. Accompanied by Cabinet ministers and senior government officials, the president aims to facilitate direct engagement with island communities and assess the progress of development initiatives.