President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has visited Kunahandhoo in Laamu Atoll, marking the first presidential visit to the island in 40 years. The visit was welcomed by residents, who described it as a historic and long-awaited occasion.
The President visited the island as part of his ongoing tour of eleven inhabited islands of Laamu Atoll. During a meeting with residents, islanders expressed their delight, noting that this was the first time in four decades that a president had visited Kunahandhoo outside an election period.
“I am pleased to note that this is the first time in the 40 years of my life that a President has visited us to meet the people of Kunahandhoo,” Kunahandhoo Council President said.
During the visit, President Muizzu inaugurated several development projects for the island pledged under his presidential commitments. He assured the community that their views would be considered in the development of the island, and reaffirmed his intention to shape Kunahandhoo’s development in line with the people’s aspirations.
During the meeting, the President further noted that the work to address the island’s key concerns is progressing at various stages. Regarding the concerns about the space constraints faced by the island’s school, the President said the required equipment would arrive as soon as the weather conditions allowed. He expressed hope that the school would open by the start of the next academic year. He also pledged to resolve the island’s long-standing issues with water supply and sewerage.
The President said that although the groundbreaking ceremonies for the island’s health centre and the police station could not be held during the visit, work on both projects would commence immediately.
As part of the visit, an agreement was also signed for the project to develop Kunahandhoo’s roads to modern standards. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdullah Muththalib and the Road Development Corporation (RDC)’s Managing Director Ibrahim Nazeem. Another agreement was signed for the beach protection project of the island.