A vital causeway connecting Dhiyamigili, Thaa Atoll to Madifushi, and Ufuriyaa is officially underway, with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu setting a deadline to deliver the project within 18 months.
The landmark project was awarded to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) during the President’s visit to Dhiyamigili on Thursday as part of his ongoing tour of four Atolls.
The Minister of State for Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Hassan Rasheed signed the agreement on behalf of the government while MTCC Managing Director Ahmed Saudee signed the contract for the state-owned firm.
Addressing a community gathering shortly after witnessing the signing of the contract, the President highlighted the critical importance of the causeway, alongside improvements to the local health centre and school facilities, for the immediate progress of Dhiyamigili.
He emphasised that the new causeway, linking the three islands is poised to usher in significant development and improved connectivity for both communities.
"The work of the causeway has started. The work will be completed within 18 months. This is will result in a positive impact on livelihoods and development," he assured the gathered residents.
Further development plans for Dhiyamigili, according to the President include the completion of a new water and sewerage system within the next six months. The government has also pledged to address land erosion issues with practical solutions set to commence soon. In education, the President committed to resolving challenges hindering the establishment of A-level studies in the island.
"It has been difficult to start A-level classes in the island. Now we are talking with the contractor and starting to speed up the work. The delay is not down to payment issues. I would like to assure you that it will be done by the start of the next academic year," he explained.
The President also outlined tangible progress in recreational development. A fitness and recreation centre in Dhiyamigili is already under construction, with plans to upgrade the football ground with lighting and fencing, and develop a volleyball court. In addition, the expansion of the island health centre, aimed at enhancing the healthcare system, is slated to begin this year and will be completed next year, transforming it into a modern, 24-hour facility.
The President, during his visit also witnessed MTCC secure the contract for the road modernization project in Dhiyamigili.
The project marks a key step in the government's commitment to developing infrastructure across various islands. Hassan Rasheed, State Minister for Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, signed on behalf of the government, while MTCC Managing Director Ahmed Saudee represented the company.
This initiative underscores the government's focus on improving road networks, with a particular emphasis on addressing the needs of residents by prioritising roads leading to community institutions and those in severe disrepair. The project also includes the establishment of irrigation systems, highlighting a holistic approach to rural development.
To coincide with the President’s visit, Bank of Maldives (BML) officially launched its ATM service in Dhiyamigili, marking a significant step in enhancing financial accessibility for residents.
The inauguration, presided over by the President, signifies a broader initiative by BML to install ATMs in eight islands across the atoll, with plans to eventually extend this service to all 13 atolls nationwide. This project, overseen by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Trade, aims to provide 24-hour cash withdrawal and deposit services, alongside bill payments and fund transfers, to both individuals and businesses.
The successful deployment in Dhiyamigili, highlighted by the President presenting a souvenir bank card to the island council president, underscores BML's commitment to bringing essential banking services closer to communities, with the project slated for completion by the end of the year.
The President took the time to meet with members of the Dhiyamigili Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions at the Dhiyamigili Council Secretariat to discuss the island’s key development priorities.
During the meeting, council members highlighted pressing community needs, including shore protection and issues related to the landfill. They also requested additional housing projects in light of the planned causeway between Dhiyamigili and Madifushi. Other priorities raised included addressing space constraints at the school, expediting the extension of the Health Centre to make it a 24-hour facility, and resolving ongoing power supply issues.
The President assured participants that the government would take their concerns into account. He was accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior officials from State-Owned Enterprises, who also shared updates on ongoing development projects.
The President received a warm welcome at Dhiyamigili during the fifth 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.