President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced an expedited timeline for a comprehensive suite of development projects in Kurin’bi, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, confirming that major undertakings across infrastructure, healthcare, education, sports, and environmental management are scheduled for completion by next year.
Addressing the island’s approximately 800 residents, President Muizzu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering on its pledges. He stated that all ongoing projects have secured the necessary budgetary allocations and logistical frameworks, and highlighted that promises made to Kurin’bi were issued with the certainty of fulfilment. The government, he said, remains resolute in prioritising the island’s advancement.
Harbour expansion anchors infrastructure strategy
At the centre of the development agenda is the expansion of the Kurin’bi harbour, which is progressing in accordance with prior commitments. Designed to meet the community’s specific requirements, the project includes enhancements to harbour capacity and functionality. In response to public appeals, President Muizzu pledged to incorporate additional modifications, notably the construction of an outer breakwater to facilitate practical use.
The harbour initiative is part of a broader strategy to address coastal vulnerabilities. The president outlined plans to mitigate beach erosion through a consolidated approach that includes the development of a designated swimming beach, coastal defence measures, and a boat-building zone. These components are to be executed in tandem with the harbour works, the president said.
Describing the integrated rollout as “most feasible and, considering the long term, the right approach,” President Muizzu highlighted the economic and operational efficiencies of concurrent implementation, noting that combining the projects would reduce both financial costs and completion time compared to a segmented execution.
Health centre and school projects signal service expansion
The president’s visit also marked the formal handover of contracts for the construction of a new health centre and a multipurpose hall at Kurin’bi School. The health facility, once completed, will be fully equipped with a laboratory, inpatient wards, public health services, and other essential resources, raising the standard of care available to residents.
To improve access in the interim, the existing health centre will undergo staffing enhancements and an extension of operating hours, increasing from eight to sixteen hours daily by early next year. President Muizzu assured that once the new facility becomes operational, services will transition to a full 24-hour schedule.
In the education sector, the multipurpose hall project will incorporate four additional classrooms, the president said, reflecting a broader effort to expand the island’s academic infrastructure. Funding for both the health and education projects has been secured within the current budget, ensuring continuity and timely delivery, he added.
Sports infrastructure receives renewed investment
Plans to enhance sports facilities on the island were also announced in the president's address. Construction of a full-scale football field, complete with standard amenities, is set to begin imminently. A futsal court is scheduled for development within the current year, followed by the establishment of a handball court early next year.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to athletic infrastructure, President Muizzu provided detailed timelines for the football-related developments. The new football field is a confirmed undertaking, with groundwork expected to begin “soon.” The facility will be equipped with “all necessary facilities,” ensuring compliance with comprehensive sporting standards, he added.
The existing futsal field, currently in disrepair, will undergo turf replacement within the current year. Looking ahead, the new handball court is scheduled for initiation early next year, with funding already allocated in the upcoming fiscal budget.
Waste management centre reactivated after delays
Addressing environmental concerns, the president confirmed the establishment of a waste management centre for Kurin’bi. Initially conceived with foreign funding, the project faced delays when the external contractor failed to proceed. It has since been reassigned to a government-owned company, the president noted, with construction expected to commence shortly.
New healthcare facility aims to strengthen island medical services
The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has been awarded a key healthcare infrastructure contract for the construction of a new building at the Kurin’bi Health Centre. The project was formally handed over during a public ceremony attended by President Muizzu. The agreement was signed by Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim and MTCC Managing Director Ahmed Saudee.
The new facility is intended to substantially enhance the health centre’s operational capacity, incorporating a laboratory, ward, procedure room and nursing station. Additional components include a garage, storage area and public health unit, designed to strengthen service delivery and accessibility for the local population.
Government officials confirmed the project is scheduled for completion within 300 days, at a cost of USD 812,456.74. Once operational, the centre is expected to provide 24-hour medical services. MTCC’s scope of work includes excavation of a 4,600 square-foot site, masonry and concrete works, tiling, installation of doors and windows, painting, iron works, hydraulic and drainage systems, electrical wiring, and the integration of medical gas, air conditioning and fire extinguishing systems.
School expansion project responds to rising enrolment
A second contract, aimed at reinforcing educational infrastructure, has been entrusted to the Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) for the construction of a multi-purpose hall at Kurin’bi School. The agreement was signed during President Muizzu’s tour of Haa Dhaalu Atoll, with Minister of State for Education Hussain Saeed Mohamed and FDC Deputy Managing Director Ibrahim Razzan representing the parties.
Addressing the community, President Muizzu stated that the hall is expected to be completed within the coming year. The facility will include four additional classrooms, intended to accommodate future enrolment and reduce the need for further expansion.
ATM installation marks milestone in financial inclusion
In a separate development, President Muizzu inaugurated Bank of Maldives (BML) ATM services in Kurin’bi, marking a key milestone in the government’s commitment to extending financial access to all inhabited islands. A commemorative bank card was presented to the island council following the launch.
The newly installed ATM will provide round-the-clock services, including cash withdrawals and deposits, bill payments and money transfers. The initiative forms part of a nationwide collaboration between the government and BML to ensure ATM coverage across all populated islands.
With this activation, Haa Dhaalu Atoll becomes the ninth atoll to achieve full ATM coverage in every inhabited island. The expansion underscores the administration’s pledge to improve financial inclusion and support local economic development.