President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that a picnic island will be developed as part of Feridhoo, Alifu Alifu Atoll, on the Maafaru Falhu lagoon. The President made the announcement while addressing Feridhoo residents during a visit to the island, as part of his ongoing tour of Alifu Alifu Atoll.
In his address, the President said his pledges for Feridhoo include the development of a designated area for pulling vessels ashore and the creation of a picnic island. He said this will be achieved without compromising the island’s natural beauty, and in such a way that beach erosion can be avoided. He confirmed that Maafaru Falhu lagoon will be assigned for Feridhoo and developed, with documentation to be completed soon.
President Muizzu said several plans are in place for the development of Feridhoo, including the establishment of a police station, the expansion of the school, and the construction of a new health centre building. These projects were formally handed over to parties during the visit.
The President said he is visiting islands and engaging with communities to identify the people’s needs, and to shape the island’s development as per their wishes. He assured that the government will always remain on the side of the people.
Earlier in the day, the President met with the Feridhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to address the island’s most pressing development priorities. The meeting was held at the Secretariat of Feridhoo Council.
During the discussions, Council members requested that Alifu Alifu Maafaru lagoon be designated as a picnic area for Feridhoo residents and stressed the importance of expediting the completion of the football field. They also raised concerns over delays in the ongoing harbour project. In addition, the Council underscored the urgent need to ease space constraints at the school by establishing a Special Educational Needs (SEN) classroom, a science laboratory, a computer laboratory, and a perimeter wall. Further issues highlighted included the absence of a police station, challenges faced at the health centre, and persistent problems with the school’s electrical systems.
President Dr Muizzu assured the Council that the Government would give due consideration to these concerns and work towards practical solutions. He also provided updates on ongoing development projects, accompanied by Cabinet Ministers and senior officials from State-Owned Enterprises.
Alifu Alifu Atoll School Expansion
During the visit, the government signed an agreement to resolve the space constraints faced by the Alifu Alifu Atoll School through the construction of a multipurpose hall and new facilities. The project was awarded to Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC). The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry of Education by Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu, while FDC was represented by its Deputy Managing Director, Ibrahim Razzan.
In his address to island residents, the President said the condition of the Atoll School in Feridhoo had deteriorated due to neglect by former administrations. The new construction will include a multipurpose hall, classrooms, a science lab, a computer lab, a staff room, library, SEN classroom, and boundary wall. He assured that the practical work of the project would begin within three months and be completed swiftly.
The President also acknowledged the lack of a principal stationed on the island, and the shortage of teachers. He said the government would address these issues as serious concerns, and pledged to solve the issues swiftly and comprehensively.
Health Centre Upgrades
The President also announced plans to upgrade the Feridhoo Health Centre. Noting that Feridhoo is the second most populous island in the atoll, he said particular attention would be directed towards enhancing the infrastructure and strengthening the human resources of the Health Centre. Plans include the establishment of a laboratory and the stationing of specialist doctors and additional nurses.
The upgrading of the Feridhoo Health Centre was awarded to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) as part of the visit. The project agreement was signed on behalf of the government by Minister of Health, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim. MTCC was represented by its Managing Director, Ahmed Saudi.
First opened in 2003, the health centre currently provides both outpatient and inpatient services in a small facility. Administrative work is also carried out in the same building. Although an additional building was added in 2023, services remain limited. The centre currently operates 16 hours a day, serving over 4,000 people annually.
Other Community Development Pledges
President Dr Muizzu pledged priority for road development, with the project soon to be handed over to the Road Development Corporation (RDC). The President noted that the budget for the project had already been secured.
The President also announced plans to resolve harbour channel issues and develop sports and community facilities, including a football stadium, a fitness and recreation centre, as well as the outdoor gym and a modern mosque with capacity for 500 people.
Highlighting that the construction of the mosque is pending land allocation, President Dr Muizzu stated that work would commence as soon as the land is allotted, following a re-poll to resolve public disagreements on the matter. He also noted that the Outreach Centre of the Quran Centre is expected to be completed in the near future.
Groundbreaking for Feridhoo Police Station
As part of the visit, the practical work on the construction of a police station in Feridhoo was also launched. Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, and Commission of Police, Ismail Naveen, and Managing Director of MTCC, Ahmed Saudi launched the project. Feridhoo Council’s President also took part.
The project was awarded to MTCC, as part of efforts to ensure police presence on all inhabited islands of the Maldives. As per President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s policy, the government aims to achieve this within two years.
Although the construction of a new police station is currently underway, the President announced that three police officers would be deployed to Feridhoo within the week to maintain law and order on the island in the interim.
Inauguration of Feridhoo’s Water and Sewerage Service
During the meeting with Feridhoo residents, the President inaugurated the island’s water and sewerage services.
The project includes a 5.04 km long sewerage main network, a 1.07 km pumping line, a sewerage administrative building, three pumping stations and a sea outfall. In addition, a reverse osmosis facility, water production plants and three tanks have been installed. The building is equipped with solar panels to generate electricity.
In addition, borehole drilling, pumping station, sea outfall and reject line water analysis equipment were also provided. The total cost of the project is USD 4.49 million. The project will ensure clean drinking water and safe sewerage for the people of Feridhoo.