President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured that the long-stalled construction of eight classrooms in Goidhoo, Shaviyani Atoll, will be completed by the start of the new academic year.
He made the announcement on Monday while addressing residents of Goidhoo during his ongoing visit to the inhabited islands of Shaviyani Atoll.
Earlier in the day, President Muizzu met with members of the Goidhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee, and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities. The meeting was held at the Secretariat of the Goidhoo Council.
During the meeting, council members raised concerns regarding the prolonged halt in the construction of an eight-classroom building at the island’s school and urged its completion. They also raised concerns over the limited space at the harbour and health centre, and called for the expansion of sports facilities to better serve the community. Further, the council proposed improvements to the island’s electricity network, particularly to support agricultural and tourism zones, and sought government assistance to address coastal erosion affecting three areas of Goidhoo. The President assured participants that the government would give due consideration to their concerns.
Addressing the island residents later, President Muizzu reaffirmed that the Goidhoo School project will be completed by the upcoming academic year. He explained that the construction of classrooms had been temporarily halted but has since been reassigned to Fenaka Corporation Limited. He added that Fenaka will transport the required materials to the island within the next week, with construction to begin once the necessary equipment arrives.
“This is a long-delayed project. The school has suffered greatly due to the lack of completion. The project will resume once the roofing equipment is procured, and will be completed by the new academic year,” he assured.
The President also highlighted the significance of the newly launched projects in Goidhoo, including the newly signed harbour development project and road development project. He noted that such projects are only contracted after securing the resources necessary to implement the projects.
The President emphasised that the purpose of his island visits is to meet directly with island residents to discuss how they wish to see projects implemented, and to ensure the projects progress in line with community priorities.
During the meeting, the President further assured that construction of the new Goidhoo Health Centre building will begin this year. He emphasised the urgent need to enhance the island’s healthcare capacity and resources, adding that the government aims to finalise the project agreement by the end of this month. The new two-storey health centre, to be developed by the government, will feature a 20-bed facility, including a 10-bed ward, private rooms, and dedicated triage and consultation areas.
As part of the President’s visit, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for Goidhoo’s new Waste Management Centre and Police Station, both developed by Fenaka Corporation Limited. In addition, the island’s Road Development Project was officially awarded to Road Development Corporation (RDC), while the Harbour Development Project was awarded to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).
The President further assured that all projects agreed upon during his visit will be implemented as planned. He also revealed that next year’s budget will include allocations for the construction of a new football ground, as well as volleyball and handball courts in Goidhoo. Given the island’s agricultural potential, the President said the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare will extend support to local farmers and ensure the provision of utility services for agricultural zones.