President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured the residents of Thinadhoo, Vaavu Atoll, that the government will work to resolve the island’s challenges through coordination with relevant ministries and state-owned companies. He made the statement while addressing Thinadhoo residents as part of his visit to the island.
During a meeting at Thinadhoo’s harbour area, residents were given the opportunity to share their opinions and concerns.
Residents requested improvements to the island’s electricity supply, particularly for the newly populated areas of the island, and highlighted the dilapidated condition of the island’s harbour and limited capacity.
The island’s Council President, Shifaq Hussain explained that vessels are damaged during rough weather, with two having sunk in the most recent stormy weather. He emphasised that the harbour remains the island’s most pressing concern. He also requested to solve the waste management challenges faced by the island.
Suggestions made by island residents included measures to further develop local tourism, an industry that has created multiple employment opportunities on the island and contributed to a significant increase in the island’s population. Tourism businesses requested the designation of a special picnic island nearby. Other requests include the improvement of healthcare services available in the island.
An island resident highlighted that Thinadhoo is projected to generate approximately USD 8.1 million in taxes over five years. However, development on the island remains limited, particularly in healthcare and harbour infrastructure, he noted. He warned that if local tourism declines, the situation of the common citizen will revert back to where they started.
Responding to the concerns, the President said that he would take into consideration the concerns voiced, and work with the relevant institutions and companies to find solutions to the issues. He confirmed that the harbour would be prioritised, and announced that a US dollar Automated Teller Machine (ATM) will be established on the island.
"We will establish a dollar ATM in the island before next March. Other issues highlighted will be addressed in consultation with the relevant authorities,” the President said.
Although Thinadhoo has a registered population of 225 people, the actual residential population exceeds 700. The island’s thriving local tourism sector has led to increased employment on the island, and plans are underway to add an additional 400 tourist beds to the island.
During the visit, President Muizzu officially inaugurated the Bank of Maldives (BML) ATM service in Thinadhoo. Following the launch, the President handed over a souvenir bank card to the island council, marking the commencement of operations. The new facility will provide essential 24-hour cash withdrawal and deposit services, as well as convenient bill payment and transfer options for both individuals and businesses within the community. This installation is part of a broader initiative, under which BML ATMs have now been successfully installed in all inhabited islands across 11 atolls.
Thinadhoo is the President’s second stop during his eight-day tour of four atolls. He received a warm welcome on his arrival at the island. Over the course of the tour, the President will visit all inhabited islands across four atolls, covering a total of 31 islands.
This trip is part of the President’s initiative to tour all Maldivian atolls and engage directly with councils at the island, atoll, and city levels.