President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced a crucial land reclamation project for Keyodhoo, Vaavu Atoll to be included in next year’s state budget.
Addressing a packed meeting with the local community on the first stop of day two of his ongoing tour of four atolls, the President outlined a robust development agenda for Keyodhoo aimed at realising the aspirations of its people.
President Dr Muizzu emphasised that the proposed dredging project, central to his promises to the residents, is related to the future of the island.
He confirmed plans to add 12 hectares of land, slated to begin early next year, with priority in the 2026 budget.
"Land constraints make it difficult to achieve other developments. More local tourism opportunities will be opened with this project," he explained, highlighting its pivotal role in unlocking further growth and economic opportunities for the island, which currently boasts 18 guesthouses.
The government, he added, would also facilitate loan schemes for tourism and launch a USD ATM service in the island early next year.
Beyond land reclamation, Keyodhoo is poised for rapid infrastructural upgrades as the President announced that newly signed projects would accelerate the construction of a new school building and a modern health centre.
The health center, he detailed, would be equipped with a laboratory and other essential facilities.
"The school project is also very important for the future of the island," he stated, adding that the electricity problem at Keyodhoo School would be solved, and classrooms and staff rooms would be air-conditioned in the first phase of the 'Cool School' project, with school halls to follow in the second phase.
Further enhancing the island's amenities, the President pledged to develop the football ground and other sports facilities. He concluded by reiterating his commitment to fulfilling all promises made for Keyodu's development, expressing optimism for meeting the residents again with these important projects well underway.
The President, during the visit witnessed the signing of the contract for the construction of a new building for the Keyodhoo Health Centre, a project poised to dramatically enhance healthcare services on the island.
The agreement was formally signed by the Minister of Health, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim and Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) Managing Director Ahmed Saudee.
Set to be developed on an expansive 17,180 acre area, the project encompasses a wide array of works, including excavation, concrete and tiling, installation of doors and windows, plastering, steel work, hydraulics, drainage, electrical wiring, and the crucial implementation of medical gas, air conditioning, and fire extinguishing systems.
With a population of 917 and a growing reputation for tourism, Keyodhoo stands to benefit immensely from this upgrade. The Ministry of Health highlighted that the completion of this new facility will not only elevate the quality of health services but also positively impact the entire community.
MTCC is tasked with delivering the project within 720 days, at a total cost of USD 1.9 million, underscoring the government’s commitment to modernising healthcare infrastructure across the nation.
The foundation stone for the new council secretariat building in Keyodhoo was officially laid on Saturday, signifying a key step in the government's ambitious initiative to modernise local administrative infrastructure.
The ceremony, graced by the presence of President Dr Muizzu during his visit to the island, saw the foundation stone laid by the Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar alongside the Keyodhoo island council president and representatives from Rasheed Carpentry and Constructions (RCC).
This project is integral to a broader government commitment to construct more than 100 new island council buildings across the nation within the next five years, specifically targeting existing outdated facilities.
RCC has been awarded the substantial contract to develop new buildings for 55 councils in various islands. This comprehensive USD 40.9 million project, as confirmed by the government, will not only deliver the modern office structures but also include perimeter fencing and all necessary office furniture upon completion.
To coincide with President Dr Muizzu’s visit to the island, MTCC was awarded the contract for the construction of a new four-storey building for the Keyodhoo School.
Valued at USD 1.5 million, the project was awarded by the Ministry of Education, with the agreement formally signed by the State Minister of Education, Abdul Latheef Mohamed and MTCC's Managing Director, Ahmed Saudee.
This crucial project will address existing space constraints, introducing 11 new classrooms, a staff room, a computer lab, and a science lab to enhance educational facilities for Keyodhoo’s students. With a completion target of 360 days, the initiative promises to significantly improve learning environments in the 917-resident island renowned for its tourism.
As a vital part of the visit, President Dr Muizzu also met with the Keyodhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities.
During the meeting, Council members highlighted the most urgent priorities affecting the island’s residents. They underscored the importance of initiating a land reclamation program to alleviate longstanding challenges faced by the community, including the critical shortage of personnel at the local health centre. The Council also requested jurisdiction over the adjacent lagoon, citing its strategic value in fostering sustainable economic growth and enhancing local livelihoods.
In addition, members drew attention to the pressing need to resolve electricity issues at the island’s school. Recognising the island’s growing appeal as a domestic tourism destination, the Council further recommended the installation of a dollar-denominated ATM on the island. President Dr Muizzu assured the Council that the government would give due consideration to their concerns and work towards practical solutions.
Over the course of the eight-day 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.