President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, in a meeting with residents of Feydhoo, Shaviyani Atoll, pledged to accelerate the completion of a long-delayed school building while unveiling a broad programme of infrastructure and social development projects for the island.
The president assured residents that the unfinished school, which has remained incomplete for two years, would be brought to conclusion without further delay. His remarks come as the administration seeks to address setbacks in public works, including the construction of eight classrooms and a multipurpose hall at Feydhoo School.
The school’s construction has been a persistent concern for the community. It has been handed over to contractors on two separate occasions, but the most recent company ceased operations six months ago, leaving the work abandoned.
Addressing residents, President Muizzu underscored that the project would be given the highest priority, stressing that both personnel and materials would be mobilised immediately to resolve outstanding issues and that the work would proceed at a rapid pace.
Rejecting the possibility of re-engaging the previous contractor, he signalled a decisive change in approach. “I do not believe that the work can be carried forward by renewing the agreement and providing them with the opportunity,” he said. “The school project, encompassing the work on the multi-purpose hall and the classrooms, will be carried forward with the highest priority.”
In addition to education, the president outlined a series of initiatives intended to ease daily hardships for Feydhoo residents. He noted that under an existing contract, ten roads are scheduled for development, which he said would alleviate difficulties faced by the community. He also confirmed that a coastal protection project would be undertaken to address concerns over erosion.
The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has been tasked with developing the island’s harbour and creating a designated swimming area. The president assured residents that this work would proceed in line with their expectations.
Looking ahead to the next budgetary cycle, President Muizzu confirmed that the most critical allocation will be the construction of a 500-capacity mosque. The facility, designed as a modern structure with full amenities, is scheduled to break ground early next year.
The administration also committed to advancing sports infrastructure within the current year. A handball court will be contracted out, while turf will be laid on the football field alongside other necessary works.
In the health sector, the president announced that Feydhoo’s health centre will soon be upgraded to provide 24-hour service, a change expected within the year. Plans are also in place to expand the facility’s physical structure, including new wards and additional spaces. Permits have been secured to recruit staff, and a contractor will be appointed this year to undertake the extension works.
During his visit, President Muizzu met with members of the Feydhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee, and heads of local institutions to discuss development priorities.
Council members reiterated the need to resume work on the halted eight-classroom building and multipurpose hall, and requested that the old school site be allocated for the construction of a police station. They also proposed the initiation of coastal protection works, the development of a swimming area, the operation of completed water and sewerage systems, and the extension of health services to a 24-hour schedule with adequate staffing. Further requests included the construction of a waste management centre, a new mosque, a handball court, and an indoor gym, as well as the installation of night lighting for the football field.
As part of the visit, MTCC was formally awarded two major infrastructure projects: modern road development and coastal protection, collectively valued at USD 9.21 million. The coastal protection project includes the construction of a rock boulder revetment, comprising a 320-metre revetment and 340 metres of groynes. MTCC is expected to complete this work within five months. The second, larger component involves upgrading Feydhoo’s road network with asphalt paving, with a contractual completion period of 19 months.
In a further step towards enhancing public health, the foundation stone was laid for a new fitness and recreation centre in Feydhoo. The project, entrusted to the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), forms part of the government’s nationwide plan to establish such centres on every inhabited island within two years. Upon completion, the facilities will be formally handed over to local communities.