The handover of Kakolhas of Thaa Atoll to Vandhoo marks an important step forward in strengthening the island’s economic prospects, and the agreement will be further expanded to ensure Vandhoo gains even greater benefits, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated.
In line with the government’s policy of defining and allocating jurisdictions to strengthen local councils, Kakolhas was officially placed under Vandhoo Council’s administration. The decision followed a proposal from the Council and was formalised through a signed agreement.
Addressing the people of Vandhoo during his ongoing tour of four atolls, the President said that Kakolhas was entrusted to Vandhoo with the aim of bringing development and prosperity to the island and its people. He assured that the government will facilitate additional opportunities for the council to benefit even more from the island, including the introduction of additional amendments to facilitate the island’s economic growth. He highlighted that measures such as maximising the use of land available for lease would be incorporated to support these efforts.
The President stressed that the most pressing need for the residents of Vandhoo is the improvement of its harbour. He highlighted that the harbour construction agreement signed as part of his visit would resolve long-standing challenges the island faces. While beach protection is also included in the project, erosion issues will also be addressed, he added.
The President went on to announce several other infrastructure commitments. He pledged to complete the construction of the island’s mosque before the month of Ramadan. While the island’s football stadium will be developed by Fenaka Corporation Limited, including turfing and light installation, the project is expected to reach completion by the end of this year, he said. The development of the island’s health centre is currently being tendered, with practical work set to begin this year. Work on a new school building is also scheduled to start within the year.
In addition, the President confirmed that Vandhoo’s roads will be developed to modern standards under next year's budget, alongside the establishment of an effective drainage system. Plans for a children's park and gym are also underway. During the visit, practical work on the island’s Fitness and Recreation Centre was officially launched.
Meeting with Community Leaders
Earlier in the day, President Muizzu met with members of the Vandhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee, and heads of local institutions to discuss key development concerns. During the discussions, Council members outlined the island’s most pressing development needs. They requested the resolution of harbour issues, and requested expedited turfing on the futsal pitch. They also urged the swift commencement of work on the Health Centre extension building and highlighted the need to address space constraints at the school. The President assured participants that the government would take their concerns into consideration.
Harbour and Shore Protection Project
As part of the President’s visit, the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) was awarded the contract for Vandhoo’s harbour development and beach protection. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure by its Minister Dr Abdullah Muththalib, while MTCC was represented by its Managing Director Ahmed Saudi.
Launch of ATM services
During the visit, President Muizzu officially inaugurated the Bank of Maldives (BML) ATM service in Vandhoo. Following the launch, the President handed over a souvenir bank card to the island council, marking the commencement of operations. The new facility will provide essential 24-hour cash withdrawal and deposit services, as well as convenient bill payment and transfer options for both individuals and businesses within the community. This installation is part of a broader initiative, under which BML ATMs have now been successfully installed in all inhabited islands across 13 atolls.
New Council Building
The groundbreaking for the new council building for Vandhoo Council was held as part of the President’s visit, with Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar laying the foundation stone. The building is part of a government initiative to construct new council offices on over 100 islands during the current term. The project’s contractor is Rasheed Carpentry and Construction (RCC) Pvt Ltd.
Warm Welcome from Vandhoo as Marathon Tour Continues
The President received a warm welcome at Vandhoo during the sixth day of his ongoing marathon tour of four atolls.
President Dr Muizzu is on an extensive eight-day official visit across four atolls, engaging directly with local communities to discuss development needs and pressing issues. This comprehensive tour is set to cover 31 islands across Vaavu, Meemu, Faafu, and Thaa Atolls, forming part of a broader series of visits to provinces across the country.
President Dr Muizzu is accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers and heads of government institutions, underscoring the government's commitment to addressing local concerns and fostering decentralised development.