President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, during a visit to the island of Dharan'boodhoo, Faafu Atoll, unveiled a wide-ranging development agenda, inaugurated key public services, and met with local officials and residents to discuss community priorities. The visit formed part of a broader tour of 31 islands across four atolls, aimed at strengthening regional infrastructure and deepening government engagement with island communities.
Addressing Dharan'boodhoo’s population of approximately 600, President Muizzu outlined a development vision centred on enhancing the island’s sports infrastructure. Recognising its reputation as a sports-oriented community, he pledged to construct a football field, a volleyball court, and a running track.
“An outdoor volleyball court will also be constructed in conjunction with the fitness and recreational centre we have started developing on this island," the president stated. "Furthermore, work on the football field will commence very soon. In recognition of the island's great enthusiasm for badminton, we will also provide a facility for this sport."
The foundation stone for the fitness and recreational facility was laid during the visit. Additional commitments included the completion of a youth centre and the introduction of a badminton venue, with all facilities designed for nighttime use.
The president also attended the commencement of construction of a new health centre building, pledging that essential medical services would be established upon its completion. As an interim measure, he committed to assigning an additional nurse to the existing health centre and extending its operating hours to 16 hours daily.
The ceremony marking the commencement of construction was attended by President Muizzu and local officials. Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim officiated the inauguration. The project has been contracted to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), a longstanding contributor to national infrastructure since its founding in 1980. Once operational, the health centre is expected to reduce the need for residents to travel to Malé for treatment, improving access to care and easing financial burdens
In addition to healthcare and sports, the president pledged further investments in public services. These include the construction of a police station building to enhance law enforcement capacity, and the expansion of the local school through the addition of a multipurpose hall and three new classrooms to address space constraints.
He also committed to addressing the island’s coastal erosion challenges, confirming that many of the proposed projects would be incorporated into the upcoming national budget.
During the visit, President Muizzu convened a formal meeting with the Dharan'boodhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions at the council’s secretariat. Council members presented a detailed list of urgent priorities, including coastal protection measures and expanded educational infrastructure. They also formally requested the construction of a football field and running track to support the island’s athletic community.
The president also inaugurated a new Bank of Maldives (BML) ATM service on the island. To mark the occasion, he presented a commemorative bank card to the island council. The installation represents the first provision of ATM services on Dharan'boodhoo, offering residents improved access to banking facilities.
Dharan'boodhoo was the ninth island visited by President Muizzu during his ongoing four-atoll tour, and the fourth stop within Faafu Atoll. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by a large assembly of residents and institutional leaders, reflecting the community’s engagement with national development efforts.
The tour forms part of a broader initiative to consult with councils and communities across the country, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and regional advancement.