President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged his Administration’s support for economic initiatives undertaken by island councils in partnership with local communities.
Addressing residents of Neykurendhoo during his ongoing tour of all inhabited islands of Haa Dhaalu Atoll, President Dr Muizzu noted that the plot of land previously designated for the development of a jail has now been handed over to the Island Council to generate economic benefit. He added that the Administration would support citizen-driven initiatives proposed for the site by the Council.
During the visit, an agreement was signed to develop the Neykurendhoo Swimming Track. The project will be carried out alongside the harbour development works, which include extending the harbour by 100 feet, creating a boat docking area, and establishing beach facilities. The President also assured that shore protection measures would be incorporated into next year’s budget.
He further highlighted that the long-delayed school project on the island would be completed, pledging that classrooms will be ready for use by the next academic year. He also committed to funding the construction of a multi-purpose hall in next year’s budget, with work scheduled to begin early in the year.
In addition, the President announced several initiatives in the health and wellness sectors. These include the extension of the health centre, the development of a fitness and recreation centre, the construction of an indoor badminton court, and further investment in the island’s football grounds.
President Dr Muizzu during the visit witnessed the official commencement of the Neykurendhoo Health Centre extension building project with the contract awarded to the Fenaka Corporation Limited.
The Minister of Health Minister Abdulla Nazim inaugurated the construction, alongside Fenaka’s Managing Director Mohamed Najaah and the Neykurendhoo island council president.
During the ceremony, Minister Nazim reiterated the commitment of President Dr Muizzu's administration to strengthen healthcare systems in the atolls and address the challenges faced by health centres. He acknowledged the need for more space at the health centres in Haa Dhaalu Atoll to provide adequate healthcare services.
The Minister also stated that the government's goal is to develop modern, high-quality health services in the atolls, adding that numerous health projects are underway, which, upon completion, will resolve the current challenges in the regional healthcare system.
He also highlighted that the health sector is in a constant state of evolution.
"Buildings should be expanded. The medicines used will be different. The diseases encountered are different, the machinery and equipment used are different, and so the buildings should be designed differently," he remarked.
Minister Nazim expressed confidence that health system challenges in the atolls would be resolved using the budget allocations for the current and upcoming year.
He stated that these improvements will enable essential treatments to be performed locally, at the island or atoll level, significantly enhancing the regional health system in the near future.
The Minister's statement is in line with the government's broader strategy to decentralise healthcare and improve services in the atolls, which includes upgrading regional hospitals and expanding specialised care. He has previously announced that such projects, including the installation of dialysis services, are part of the current administration's commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all citizens.
The President during his visit, officially inaugurated the newly developed handball court in Neykurendhoo.
The island’s sports sector is poised for significant improvement following the completion of a year-long court project funded by the government.
According to Ali Siraj, the island council president, Neykurendhoo is a community passionate about handball, hosting annual tournaments.
He emphasised that the new court addresses long-standing challenges and provides a vital platform for local players to compete in tournaments across the nation. Siraj expressed optimism that this facility would not only ease training preparations but also cultivate promising new players within the island.
This project aligns with the President's commitment to developing sports infrastructure across the country, with several projects completed and others in progress.
The groundbreaking of a fitness and recreation centre in Neykurendhoo coincided with President Dr Muizzu’s visit to the island.
The Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu officially broke ground on the new centre alongside Deputy Managing Director of the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Lamaan Mohamed and Neykurendhoo island council president Ali Siraj.
This project, which is scheduled for completion next year, is one of dozens awarded by the government to State-owned firms, Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), Fenaka Corporation Limited, Road Development Corporation (RDC) along with MACL.
The initiative is designed to expand access to fitness infrastructure and promote public health across the country, aligning with national goals for preventative care and community wellbeing.
Neykurendhoo became the latest island to get access to a self service ATM as part of the ongoing initiative to establish the service in all inhabited islands.
President Dr Muizzu inaugurated the new ATM in Neykurendhoo during the visit as he presented a ceremonial bank card to the island council.
The newly installed ATM in Neykurendhoo offers 24-hour self-service banking including cash withdrawals and deposits for both individuals and businesses, as well as bill payment and transfer services.
The ATM expansion in Neykurendhoo is part of a larger, nationwide initiative by the government and BML to provide financial services to every inhabited island. Dubbed the "Mulhi Raajje ah BML ATM" project, this ambitious plan was launched by President Dr Muizzu in November 2024.
The goal is to ensure that all inhabited islands in the Maldives have access to an ATM by the end of 2025. This project, overseen by the Ministry of Economic Development, aims to promote financial empowerment and boost local economic growth.
The project is already well underway, with ATM services now extended to all islands in eight different atolls, including Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, and Meemu. The expansion demonstrates BML's and the government's commitment to making essential banking services readily accessible to all Maldivians.
President Dr Muizzu during the visit made time to meet with the Neykurendhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities.
During the discussion, Council members emphasised the urgent need to improve and accelerate construction at the island’s harbour, and ensure the timely completion of water supply and sewerage systems. They also requested renovating the island’s school with a multipurpose hall to alleviate space constraints.
The Council raised concerns regarding beach erosion, urging mangrove preservation, relocation of the powerhouse from residential areas, and development of designated areas for docking boats and beach goers. Additionally, they requested the Government to establish a modern waste management facility to resolve solid waste problems.
President Dr Muizzu assured the Council that the Government would give due consideration to their concerns and work towards practical solutions. He also provided updates on ongoing development projects. The President was accompanied at the meeting by Cabinet Ministers and senior officials from State-Owned Enterprises.
President received a warm welcome during tenth stop in the tour of Haa Dhaalu Atoll
Upon arrival in Neykurendhoo just before noon on Tuesday, President Muizzu was greeted by dozens of island residents, alongside members of the island council and senior officials from local institutions.
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.