President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured that both land reclamation and harbour expansion in Bileiydhoo, Faafu Atoll, will be undertaken to the maximum feasible extent, in compliance with relevant regulations. He gave this assurance while addressing the residents of Bileiydhoo during his visit to the island as part of his ongoing tour of four atolls.
Speaking at a community meeting held at the harbour, the President said newly initiated projects on the island will progress swiftly with support from relevant ministries and state-owned companies. He stressed that expanding the island’s harbour and creating additional land area were among the government’s top priorities for Bileiydhoo’s development.
The President confirmed that the harbour project will be implemented in line with the peoples’ wishes, with the land expansion to be carried out as part of the project. He assured that the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), the contractor for the project, would see the project through. He also stated that other essential development projects would be carried out on the island, with key initiatives planned for inclusion in the 2026 budget.
The President also highlighted the importance of establishing ATM services on the island, and said this would eliminate the need for residents to travel to other islands for banking services.
Meeting with Island Council and WDC
Earlier in the day, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with members of the Bileiydhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities. During the discussion, Council members emphasised the importance of upgrading the harbour to meet community expectations, accelerating the land reclamation project, and initiating a road construction project for the island. President Dr Muizzu assured the Council that the Government would give due consideration to their concerns and work towards practical solutions. He also provided updates on ongoing development initiatives.
Several development projects were initiated during the President’s visit, including the groundbreaking ceremony for the new premises of the Bileiydhoo Police Station and Health Centre, as well as the groundbreaking ceremony for the island’s Fitness and Recreation Centre. The practical implementation of the island’s harbour expansion and beach protection project was launched, in addition to the establishment of ATM services.
Bileiydhoo Harbour Development and Beach Protection Launched
The development of the Bileiydhoo harbour and beach protection project was officially launched as part of the President’s visit to the island. The harbour project, awarded to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), was inaugurated by the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib.
The beach protection project, also contracted to MTCC, will include the construction of a 202-metre breakwater, a 308-metre quay wall, 270 metres of revetments, and a 244-metre of L-block quay wall. Valued at USD 4.68 million, the project is scheduled to be completed within 450 days.
The practical work of the island’s new health centre building was also commenced as part of the visit.
Launching of ATM services
During the visit, President Muizzu officially inaugurated the Bank of Maldives (BML) ATM service in Bileiydhoo. Following the launch, the President handed over a souvenir bank card to the island council, marking the commencement of operations. The new facility will provide essential 24-hour cash withdrawal and deposit services, as well as convenient bill payment and transfer options for both individuals and businesses within the community. This installation is part of a broader initiative, under which BML ATMs have now been successfully installed in all inhabited islands across 12 atolls.
Bileiydhoo Road Development Project Handed Over to MTCC
Bileiydhoo’s Road Development Project was handed over to MTCC as part of the President’s visit, at a value of USD 5.91 million, to be completed within 720 days. The agreement was signed on behalf of the government by the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib, while MTCC was represented by its Managing Director, Ahmed Saudi.
Sports Initiatives Launched
The groundbreaking ceremony for Bileiydhoo Recreation Centre was also held, with Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL)’s Managing Director, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed laying the foundation stone.
An agreement was also signed with MTCC for the development of a volleyball court in Bileiydhoo, with Minister Rafiu representing the Sports Ministry and MTCC’s Managing Director Saudi signing on behalf of the company. The project was handed over to MTCC for USD 80,415, to be completed within 120 days.
Construction of Bileiydhoo Police Station
The foundation stone for the new police station to be developed in Bileiydhoo was laid by the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan. The project will be carried out by MTCC, as part of the government’s pledge to establish a police presence on all inhabited islands across the Maldives before the end of the year.
The President’s visit to Bileiydhoo is his fifth stop during his ongoing tour of four atolls. Over the course of the eight-day tour, the President will visit all inhabited islands across the four atolls, covering a total of 31 islands. The visit forms part of his broader commitment to tour all Maldivian atolls and engage directly with councils at the island, atoll, and city levels.