President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced a broad slate of development initiatives for Vaikaradhoo, pledging to resolve longstanding infrastructure and social challenges through targeted projects scheduled for completion this year and next. The commitments were made during a meeting with residents, held as part of the president’s ongoing tour of inhabited islands in Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
Among the most urgent undertakings is the relocation of Vaikaradhoo’s power plant, currently situated in a residential area. The president described the situation as “worse in Vaikaradhoo compared to other islands”, and assured residents that the project would be completed this year. Fenaka Corporation has been instructed to treat the relocation as its foremost priority, he assured.
Plans for infrastructure improvement extend to the island’s harbour, which is set to undergo redevelopment under a recently signed agreement. The initiative includes the construction of a designated swimming area and a swimming track, intended to enhance both functionality and public access.
Attention also turned to the education sector, where twelve long-unfinished classrooms are now expected to be completed within two months. The president gave his assurance that the stalled school development project would be finalised in time for the new academic year. “I provide my complete assurance that this will be accomplished,” he stated.
The president’s agenda includes a series of recreational upgrades, with several facilities scheduled for completion this year. President Muizzu announced that work on the football field will be expedited and brought to completion, while the fitness and recreation centre, currently under development, will be finalised. He added that additional plans include the construction of a handball court and an outdoor gym.
A skate park, described as a key presidential pledge, has been assigned to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). According to the president, design work is in progress, and land has already been allocated. Construction is expected to begin before the end of next month.
Economic concerns, particularly those affecting the agricultural sector, were also addressed in President Muizzu's speech. With approximately 150 farm plots on the island, delays in cargo transport have resulted in losses for local farmers. To alleviate these challenges, the president announced that a dedicated cargo ferry service will be arranged specifically for Vaikaradhoo.
The president acknowledged Vaikaradhoo’s reputation as an island “populated by educated individuals who cherish religion and the Quran.” In response, he announced that a branch of the National Centre for the Holy Quran is scheduled to be established on the island early next year.
Looking ahead, the president identified additional development priorities for 2026. These include the construction of a modern mosque and upgrades to the island’s health centre, with increased staffing and resources to be incorporated into the national budget.
Acknowledging that housing remains a pressing concern, President Muizzu announced that a project to construct 50 new units is planned for next year, aimed at addressing the island’s residential needs. Broader development efforts will also focus on waste management and environmental infrastructure, with the president reaffirming his commitment to fostering long-term prosperity for Vaikaradhoo’s residents.
As part of his itinerary, President Muizzu has formally inaugurated a new Bank of Maldives (BML) ATM service in Vaikaradhoo, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to expanding financial access across the nation. The launch reflects a central presidential pledge to establish ATM services in every inhabited island of the country, anchoring the government’s broader financial inclusion strategy.
Working in partnership with the government, BML is undertaking a nationwide initiative to install ATM services in more than 100 islands within the year. The Vaikaradhoo installation signals tangible progress in decentralising banking infrastructure and extending essential services to remote communities.
Designed to operate continuously, the newly commissioned ATM enables individuals and businesses to conduct cash withdrawals, deposits, bill payments and fund transfers at any hour. To mark the occasion, President Muizzu presented a commemorative bank card to the island council, underscoring the community’s strengthened financial autonomy.
Oversight of the project falls under the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, which aims to complete installations across all inhabited islands by year-end. BML has already launched ATM services in every inhabited island within eight atolls: Haa Alifu, Shaviyani, Dhaalu, Noonu, Meemu, Kaafu, Baa and, most recently, Alifu Alifu. The bank maintains that the expanded infrastructure will support financial empowerment and foster economic activity across island communities.
President Muizzu was greeted with an enthusiastic reception upon his arrival in Vaikaradhoo, the ninth stop on his official tour of Haa Dhaalu Atoll. Senior representatives from local institutions, along with a substantial number of residents, assembled to welcome the President and his delegation.
The visit forms part of a broader itinerary encompassing 13 inhabited islands within the atoll. The president is accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior officials from various government agencies during his tour.