President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced a series of development projects for Nolhivaram, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, including the development of a 30-bed hospital and the transformation of the island’s school into a single-session institution. He made the announcement while addressing the residents of Nolhivaram, as part of his ongoing tour of the inhabited islands of Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
Meeting with Community Leaders
Earlier in the day, the President met with the Nolhivaram Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions at the Secretariat of the Nolhivaram Island Council to discuss the island’s most pressing development priorities.
Council members raised concerns over the island’s ongoing power crisis, noting the urgent need to relocate the power plant and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for essential services. They also stressed the importance of introducing dental and X-ray facilities to enhance healthcare provision, alongside addressing the shortage of space at the island’s school.
Address to island residents
After Kulhudhuffushi City, Nolhivaram is the most populous island in Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
In his speech, the President noted the size of Nolhivaran, and stressed that all development initiatives for the island have been planned in alignment with the administration’s sustainable development policies. He pledged to fulfil the needs of the island residents swiftly.
Harbor Construction Project
The President highlighted that the construction of a new harbour is the most pressing need for the island residents, noting that several unfortunate accidents had occurred due to its current condition.
To address this, a harbour construction project was signed between the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, and the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), as part of the President’s visit. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry by Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib, while MTCC was represented by its Managing Director, Ahmed Saudi.
The harbour will be constructed on the eastern side of Nolhivaram, and will include dredging of the new harbour and entrance channel, construction of a 362-metres of breakwater, a 238-metres of revetment, a 90-metre rock groyne and 394-metres of quay wall. The project will also include installation of 12 mooring buoys, ramps, 2 channel lights, 14 street lights and 1,895 square metres of pavement.
The work has been awarded to MTCC for USD 5.54 million, to be completed within 540 days.
Healthcare
The President announced the commencement of a 30-bed hospital development this year. Until the hospital is operational, he pledged additional resources for the existing health centre. This includes the recruitment of an internal medicine doctor, installation of an X-ray machine, and establishment of dental services.
Education
On education, President Dr Muizzu said that further infrastructure elements would be incorporated into the ongoing multi-purpose hall project. This includes the establishment of 12 classrooms, a science laboratory, computer laboratory, and other facilities.
The President said there are no budget constraints to implement the project, and said transforming the school into a single-session school will be beneficial for both teachers and students. This will also address wider community concerns, he said.
Sports
The President also revealed plans to establish a modern indoor sports complex on the island, instead of the previously planned fitness and recreation centre. Additionally, Nolhivaram’s football ground would be upgraded to meet FIFA standards, with work set to commence this year.
Energy
To address the island’s power challenges, the President committed to installing electricity cables for agricultural plots, relocating the power house, and pursuing a sustainable solution to the island’s energy challenges. The work is expected to be highly prioritised by Fenaka Corporation, and completed within six months.
Shore Protection Project
The island’s shore protection project was also handed over to MTCC as part of the President’s visit. The agreement was signed by Construction Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib on behalf of the government, and Managing Director Saudi on behalf of MTCC.
The project involves laying rock revetments and a 164 metres of rock groyne. Valued at USD 3.43 million, the project is expected to be completed within 250 days.
Agriculture
Highlighting that Nolhivaram is primarily an agricultural island, with most families relying on farming for their livelihoods, the President stressed the need to waive fees on agricultural plots. This would enhance the economic benefits enjoyed by these families, he said. He described this as a sincere request from the administration to the island Council, and assured that the government would provide all necessary permits and support to enable the Council to implement the measure.
It is a presidential pledge of President Muizzu to establish an agricultural supply shop on the island. In line with the pledge, an agreement was signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, and the Nolhivaram Council to establish the shop. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry by Minister Dr Mariyam Mariya, while the Council was represented by its President, Yoosuf Moosa.
Under this agreement, the Agriculture Ministry will hire parties to run the shop on the land allocated by the Council, to sell agricultural products in the island. The Ministry will also monitor whether the goods sold are licensed to be imported into the Maldives and whether agricultural equipment is sold at reasonable prices to farmers. The council will monitor if the work is progressing according to the work plan, the Ministry said.
Other pledges
The President said the island’s erosion issue needs to be addressed and said swift efforts would be taken to resolve the challenge. A road development project would also be undertaken.
Security
As part of the visit, the practical work on the construction of a police station in Nolhivaram was also launched. Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan inaugurated the project, alongside the Commissioner of Police, Ismail Naveen, the Road Development Corporation (RDC)’s Managing Director, Ibrahim Nazeem and Nolhivaram Council President Yoosuf Moosa.
The project was awarded to RDC, as part of efforts to ensure police presence on all inhabited islands of the Maldives. As per President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s policy, the government aims to achieve this within two years.
Inauguration of ATM Services
President Muizzu also inaugurated the newly established Bank of Maldives (BML) Automated Teller Machine (ATM) service in Nolhivaram. The initiative is part of a government pledge to provide ATM services to all inhabited islands, with BML establishing machines in 100 islands this year.
To mark the occasion, President Muizzu conducted a symbolic withdrawal from the ATM, and a commemorative bank card was presented to the Nolhivaram Council.
The new self-service ATM offers 24-hour access for individuals and businesses, enabling cash withdrawals, deposits, bill payments, and fund transfers, as well as credit card and loan servicing.
The joint initiative between the government and BML has already extended ATM services to all inhabited islands in eight atolls: Haa Alifu, Shaviyani, Dhaalu, Noonu, Meemu, Alifu Alifu, Baa and Kaafu. With the inclusion of Nolhivaran, the BML network now comprises more than 250 ATMs nationwide. The bank has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering convenient banking services in close proximity to communities, in alignment with national development priorities.
Continuation of Haa Dhaalu Tour
President receives warm welcome during fourth stop in island tour
Arriving in Nolhivaram on Monday afternoon, President Muizzu was greeted by a large number of residents, alongside members of the island council and senior officials from local institutions. The visit marked the sixth stop in a comprehensive itinerary that includes all thirteen inhabited islands within Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
His delegation comprises several cabinet ministers and high-ranking representatives from government agencies. The tour is part of a broader engagement strategy aimed at assessing local development priorities and advancing key infrastructure and service delivery projects across the region.