President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Monday unveiled a comprehensive development plan for Kanditheemu, Shaviyani Atoll, underscoring his government's commitment to delivering on promises swiftly.
Among the key pledges are the construction of a new two-storey health centre and significant upgrades to the local football ground, with several projects set to commence this year.
Speaking at a community meeting during his visit to Kanditheemu, as part of his ongoing tour of Shaviyani Atoll, President Dr Muizzu announced that a two-storey building for the island's health centre will be handed over to a contractor before the end of the month.
"There will be 10 wards and private rooms. The building will be developed with a total of 20 beds," he said, adding that the project will begin work this year. This initiative is part of broader efforts that include the ongoing work on a multipurpose hall in the island.
Beyond healthcare, the President highlighted continuous progress on vital infrastructure. He noted the handover of road modernisation project and confirmed that island's harbour upgrade project would also proceed. Additionally, plans are in motion to install electricity in newly settled areas of the island and conduct power upgrades across the entire island.
Sports development also featured prominently in the President's address. He pledged a major project to modernise the islands’ football ground, which will include fencing, lighting, and the construction of changing rooms. While acknowledging the current lack of a night playing system, President Dr Muizzu assured that these improvements would be incorporated into next year's budget.
In addressing financial services, President Dr Muizzu confirmed that the Bank of Maldives (BML) branch in Kanditheemu is expected to be completed early next year. He reiterated that all stalled projects deemed important for the island would be prioritised and completed under his administration's mandate.
The President, during the visit witnessed the awarding of the road modernisation project in Kanditheemu awarded to the state-owned Road Development Corporation (RDC) along with the harbour upgrade project to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company Limited (MTCC).
He also attended the groundbreaking ceremonies on the BML Islamic Branch in Kanditheemu along with its new fitness and recreation centre.
During the visit, President Dr Muizzu met with members of the Kanditheemu Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee, and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities.
During the meeting, council members expressed their hopes that construction of the island’s roads and harbour will commence soon. They also highlighted the need to expedite the completion of these projects, as well as ongoing work at the health centre and the school’s multipurpose hall. Additionally, council members and representatives from the health centre shared the need for a lab technician, as the facility operates 24 hours a day.
President Dr Muizzu assured participants that the Government would give due consideration to their concerns.
The President’s itinerary of the ongoing four-day tour of Shaviyani Atoll includes visits to fourteen islands - Kan'ditheemu, Noomaraa, Goidhoo, Feevah, Bileiyfahi, Foakaidhoo, Milandhoo, Narudhoo, Maroshi, Lhaimagu, Funadhoo, Komandoo, and Maalhendhoo.
This visit is part of the President’s nationwide initiative to travel across all Maldivian atolls, engaging with atoll, island, and city councils directly.