President Muizzu Unveils Dhiggaru Blueprint: Housing Surge, Hospital Contract, Harbour Overhaul

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Monday announced a wide-ranging development programme for Dhiggaru, Meemu Atoll, pledging substantial investments in housing, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The announcement, delivered during a meeting with residents, formed part of the president’s official tour across four atolls.

Housing expansion emerges as the island’s top priority

Responding to longstanding concerns over housing shortages, President Muizzu committed to a two-phase residential expansion, describing it as Dhiggaru’s most urgent priority. He confirmed that construction of an initial 75 housing units would begin within the year.

“The coming days are important for the development of Dhiggaru in the area of housing and for population consolidation,” he said. A second 75-unit project is expected to commence before the first is completed, with preparatory work already underway.

“This represents the island’s inaugural housing project, and it is just the beginning,” the president added. “In addition to this initial 75-unit project, we will commence work on an additional 75 units. This undertaking also facilitates the administration’s population consolidation policy.”

Harbour and school upgrades set for national budget inclusion

Plans to upgrade Dhiggaru’s harbour were also outlined, with the president citing the need for expanded capacity and structural repairs. The harbour development has been designated a high-priority initiative, with construction scheduled to begin in early 2026.

Attention turned to the island’s educational facilities, where space constraints at Dhiggaru School have prompted the government to propose a new building. The planned structure will include nine classrooms and a multipurpose hall, and is expected to be incorporated into the 2026 national budget.

Fishing sector reforms and sports infrastructure revival

President Muizzu described Dhiggaru as a fishing island and assured residents that they would benefit from broader reforms in the national fisheries sector. While acknowledging that certain developments require time, he emphasised that phased implementation does not constitute a failure to deliver.

He also affirmed that residents would soon witness tangible progress across multiple sectors, including education, health, sports, and civic infrastructure. “In the coming days, residents would witness many things practically happening and being completed,” he said.

Among the additional commitments were the resumption of stalled work on sports facilities, including the football ground, a fitness and recreational centre, and a volleyball court.

Local council presents urgent development requests

During the visit, representatives from the Dhiggaru Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and local institutions presented a detailed account of the island’s development needs. These included the expedited upgrade of the harbour and the extension of essential utilities, water, sewerage, and electricity, to the newly reclaimed area.

Healthcare concerns were also raised, with requests for the appointment of a resident doctor and the provision of a sea ambulance service. The council highlighted space limitations at the school and called for the swift development of the football ground. Additional appeals included the construction of an administrative building for Fenaka Corporation staff, the establishment of a police station, and the conveyance of concerns from the local fishing community.

Contract signed for new 30-bed hospital

A key milestone of the president’s visit was the signing of a contract to construct a new 30-bed hospital on Dhiggaru, fulfilling a major electoral pledge. The agreement was formalised by Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim and Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) CEO Ahmed Saudee, in the presence of island residents.

Valued at USD 6.82 million, the project has been awarded to MTCC with a completion timeline of 540 days. “This will be a 30-bed hospital. With the comprehensive completion of this facility, the island’s healthcare service delivery system will be significantly strengthened. God willing, government agencies will give this project high priority to ensure its swift progress,” the president stated.

Minister Nazim has previously indicated that budget allocations for this year and next will accelerate healthcare improvements across the atolls, enhancing access to critical treatments.

Coastal protection works secure reclaimed land

The president also marked the completion of the coastal protection project for Dhiggaru’s newly reclaimed land. The reclamation, which added 25 hectares to the island to address land scarcity, was finalised in 2023.

Subsequent protection works, executed by MTCC at a cost exceeding USD 1.14 million, included the installation of a 700-metre rock boulder revetment, a 138-metre outer seawall, and a 332-metre geo-bag revetment to safeguard the new landmass.

Residents welcome presidential visit with public reception

President Muizzu’s arrival in Dhiggaru, the 13th island on his tour and the first of the day, was met with a warm public reception. A large number of residents gathered at the harbour to welcome the president as he commenced his official visit to Meemu Atoll, the third atoll on his current itinerary.