Residents of Felidhoo, Vaavu Atoll can anticipate significant land expansion, as President Dr Mohamed announced that a major dredging project for the island will commence early next year, fully integrated into the 2026 national budget.
The announcement came during a community meeting with the people of Felidhoo, as part of his ongoing tour of four atolls, where the President addressed key development priorities for the island.
President Dr Muizzu affirmed that the land reclamation in Felidhoo is a crucial promise made to the island's community. He clarified that while the project was initially intended for 2025, it was strategically postponed to prioritise the hospital development project on the island this year.
Consequently, the land reclamation project has been elevated to the most important development initiative within next year's budget.
"We will start the dredging of the island early in next year's budget. We will dredge 12 hectares of land under the project," he explained, highlighting that this expansion would significantly increase the island's usable land area, enabling residents to undertake vital development initiatives.
Additionally, the President outlined several other key infrastructure developments for Felidhoo. He confirmed that the construction of a four-storey building featuring 14 classrooms for the local school is slated to begin this year, with administrative preparations already completed.
Further enhancing community facilities, a state-of-the-art fitness and recreation facility is planned, designed as an indoor sports complex capable of hosting various sports activities in large areas, thus centralising all sports amenities within the island.
President Dr Muizzu also announced that, as part of the government's policy to expand sea ambulance services in the atolls, Felidhoo will be equipped with a sustainable sea ambulance service, improving emergency medical response capabilities for the region.
Major Healthcare Infrastructure Project Commences in Vaavu Atoll
The President’s visit marked a significant milestone in its healthcare development with the groundbreaking of the new Atoll Hospital building in Felidhoo. Minister of Health, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim officiated the ceremony for this crucial project, which is being undertaken by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).
The comprehensive development includes a 7,147 sqft accommodation block, a 2,563 sqft service center, and a substantial 76,175 sqft health centre block, alongside extensive ground excavation, leveling, and finishing works.
Awarded to MTCC for USD 6.8 million, the project is slated for completion within 540 days. This new facility promises immense benefits for Felidhoo's 696 residents and neighbouring islands, significantly reducing the need for costly and time-consuming trips to the capital Male’ for medical treatment, thereby fostering both healthier communities and financial relief.
Felidhoo Witnesses Groundbreaking of New Police Station
The construction of a new police station in Felidhoo officially commenced with President Dr Muizzu in attendance. The event signifies a crucial step in strengthening law enforcement services within the island community.
The foundation stone for the facility was laid by Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen, with construction undertaken by MTCC. This initiative aligns with the government's ambitious two-year plan to establish police stations in all inhabited islands across the Maldives, a move they believe is vital for fostering a safer and more secure society nationwide.
President Engages with Community Leaders
President Dr Muizzu took time to meet with the Felidhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities during his visit.
During the meeting, the Council expressed concerns about the ongoing challenges stemming from the island’s limited land availability, particularly the shortage of space for the school. The Council also indicated that, considering the island’s spatial limitations, a sports complex would be a more practical and efficient solution than developing individual sports courts. Additionally, the island hospital conveyed the significance of establishing a designated sea ambulance. 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 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.