President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday attended the inauguration of a series of infrastructure and public service initiatives on the island of Fodhdhoo, continuing his official tour of Noonu Atoll. The visit reflects the administration's commitment to equitable national development, extending across communities irrespective of political affiliation.
Speaking at a community gathering, President Muizzu underscored the imperative that political differences must not obstruct service delivery. He reiterated his government's guiding principle: equal development access across all inhabited islands, expressing his satisfaction in launching significant projects in Fodhdhoo.
Foremost among these is the harbour development, described by the president as vital to the island's economic stability. He pledged expedited completion to address longstanding logistical constraints. Healthcare was also outlined as a national priority, with the president noting substandard conditions in many islands and detailing ongoing improvements in staffing and facility upgrades.
Regarding Fodhdhoo specifically, he confirmed that a new healthcare centre building would enable broader medical services and reduce dependence on nearby islands. "I have informed the [Health] Minister about dispatching a qualified doctor. My directive also included enhancing the laboratory facilities and services without waiting for the completion of the building. The minister will ensure this is done," he stated.
During the visit, the president attended the groundbreaking of the new police station on Fodhdhoo, a component of his administration's commitment to establishing security facilities on every island within two years. A fitness centre, part of a national recreational drive, is also underway to provide sports infrastructure for local youth.
In the education sector, the president reported the completion of a new school building and said future developments would reflect community preferences. Additionally, he committed to a management plan for the Fodhdhipparu protected lagoon to generate council revenue, while the proposed airport at Vihafaru lagoon was cited as an anchor for regional investment.
During his remarks, President Muizzu criticised Mohamed Abbas, the Member of Parliament for Velidhoo, accusing him of obstructing development efforts. He observed comparatively smoother cooperation with opposition lawmakers. "It is with regret that I note attempts to obstruct initiatives in areas where the constituency's member's cooperation is not forthcoming," the president said.
He added, "I maintain that if one is an elected representative of the people, political differences should not, under any circumstances, be allowed to impede the provision of services to the constituents. Rather, all individuals are obligated to conduct their work with heightened responsibility and professionalism." President Muizzu also reiterated his administration's determination to fulfil its obligations and stated his intention to revisit Fodhdhoo upon completion of the inaugurated projects.
Work has begun on a long-awaited harbour in Fodhdhoo, addressing an unmet need dating back some 40 years. According to Fodhdhoo Council President Mohamed Moosa, the absence of proper maritime access has caused sustained hardship, with residents relying on a jetty usable only during the southwest monsoon.
Valued at USD 3.23 million, the project was awarded to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The scope includes dredging of a 30,648-cubic-metre harbour basin and a 3,990-cubic-metre channel, construction of a 145-metre outer breakwater, a 165-metre revetment, a 130-metre quay wall, and a 125-metre jetty. MTCC will also lay 600 square metres of pavement and install harbour and navigation lighting.
Dr Abdulla Muththalib, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, officiated the inauguration, joined by President Muizzu. MTCC expects the development to improve access for tourists and enhance island connectivity.
During his visit, President Muizzu presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 16-bed hospital in Fodhdhoo, marking a significant advance in the island's healthcare infrastructure. The government-funded project, valued at USD 1.74 million, has been awarded to MTCC and is scheduled for completion within 360 days.
The foundation stone was laid jointly by Health Minister Abdullah Nazim Ibrahim and MTCC Chief Executive Ahmed Saudee. The initiative forms part of a wider state-led effort to expand medical services across the atolls, exemplified by President Muizzu's recent inauguration of the Noonu Atoll Hospital project in Manadhoo during the same tour.
During the visit, President Muizzu met with representatives from the Fodhdhoo Council, the women's development committee (WDC), and officials from island-based institutions. Convened at the Fenaka Office, the meeting focused on priority concerns affecting local residents.
Council members raised issues including possible design revisions to the harbour, the need for a school multipurpose hall, staff shortages, waste management, and the return of land previously occupied by the old powerhouse. The WDC discussed inadequate wages for cleaning efforts and proposed expansion of the futsal field. The establishment of a point of care facility was also requested. In response, President Muizzu pledged to address the issues raised and facilitated updates from ministers and representatives of state-owned enterprises attending the meeting.
The Fodhdhoo police station project was officially launched during the president's visit, reflecting a national policy to deploy law enforcement across all inhabited islands. Groundbreaking was led by Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, joined by Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen. MTCC is undertaking the construction.
The government views this expansion of police services as fundamental to building secure and resilient communities across the country.
The president also participated in the groundbreaking of a fitness and recreation centre designed to foster healthy living and sports participation. The ceremony was officiated by Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu, joined by members of the cabinet. MTCC has been commissioned to complete the project, one of several centres planned for completion across the country by the end of next year.
President Muizzu received a warm welcome from residents of Fodhdhoo, the ninth island on his Noonu Atoll itinerary. Officials and citizens of all ages participated in the reception. The tour, which began on 21 July, is scheduled to cover 13 islands in total.