President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced a major rollout of 200 ice-producing RSW (Refrigerated Sea Water) systems to fishing vessels across the nation, underscoring the government's commitment to modernising the fisheries sector and enhancing local livelihoods.
Addressing the community of Hirilandhoo Thaa Atoll, as part of his ongoing tour of four atolls, the President highlighted the new government funded programme designed to provide cooling systems to fishing vessels.
He elaborated that 200 of these crucial systems, which significantly improve fish quality, would be distributed to vessels before Fishermen's Day celebrated on 10 December contributing to a total of 300 systems being issued under the initiative.
Notably, Hirilandhoo stands out in this round, with four vessels from the island selected to receive RSW systems – the largest allocation to any single island in this phase of the programme. Further bolstering local fishing capabilities, a new cold storage facility is slated for establishment in Hirilandhoo as part of next year's budget, aiming to provide essential infrastructure for fishermen.
Beyond fisheries, the President outlined a series of significant infrastructure upgrades for Hirilandhoo. He announced the official handover of the harbour development project to a contractor and pledged to further dredge land for the island to facilitate industrial activities and foster more local businesses.
Educational enhancements are also a priority, with the island school's development set to conclude before the next academic year, alongside prioritised improvements to the health centre. Residents can also look forward to a modern new mosque, which the President described as "the most modern building in the island," and the development of a high-quality football ground and additional sports facilities, to be included in next year's budget.
President Dr Muizzu during the visit met with members of the Hirilandhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee, and heads of local institutions to discuss key development concerns.
During the meeting, council members outlined the island’s most urgent priorities. They called for land reclamation and the establishment of a cold storage facility, citing the island’s dependence on the fisheries sector. The council also stressed the need to upgrade services at the Health Centre to meet hospital standards.
The President assured participants that the Government would take their concerns into consideration. He was accompanied by Cabinet ministers and senior officials from State-Owned Enterprises, who also provided updates on ongoing development projects.
Almost the entire resident population of Hirilandhoo flocked near the island harbour to greet President Dr Muizzu upon his arrival as part of the Thaa Atoll segment 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.