President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to prioritise all ongoing and planned development projects in Narudhoo, Shaviyani Atoll, assuring residents that their island’s developmental progress is a key focus for his administration.
The commitment was made during an address to the Narudhoo community as part of his ongoing tour of Shaviyani Atoll, where several significant infrastructure upgrades were highlighted.
The President detailed a series of immediate and future initiatives aimed at enhancing local infrastructure facilities. He stated that the construction of four new classrooms and a multipurpose hall, designed to alleviate space constraints at the local school, will be handed over this month. Additionally, the Narudhoo football ground is slated for a comprehensive upgrade, promising all necessary facilities, with work expected to commence this year. Plans are also in motion to include the renovation of the futsal ground and the development of a handball court within the next year's budget, he detailed.
In terms of healthcare services, President Dr Muizzu emphasised that efforts to expand the Narudhoo Health Centre to improve service delivery will continue. The budget for the upcoming year will allocate resources for an additional ward, a laboratory, and more staff, while a significant goal for next year is to extend the health centre's operating hours to 16 hours daily.
Further development plans, according to the President include the construction of a new council building and the acceleration of work to resolve the island’s sewerage issues, with the project expected to gather pace next month. Addressing concerns regarding the island harbour, the President confirmed that the relevant ministry has received authorisation for an expansive upgrade, with all necessary measures to ensure a safe harbour to be implemented following an environmental impact assessment.
On the matter of land allocation, President Dr Muizzu announced that the relevant ministry will empower the Narudhoo council to manage such processes, reiterating the government's steadfast commitment to implementing crucial development projects within the island.
President Dr Muizzu during the visit, witnessed the awarding of the contract to Road Development Corporation (RDC) to upgrade the Narudhoo Health Centre alondside the coastal protection contract to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). He also attended the groundbreaking ceremonies on the new police station and the waste management centre.
During the visit, the President took time to meet with members of the Narudhoo 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 highlighted the island’s most pressing development needs. They requested that the outer seawall be raised and widened during the harbour development project, and urged the swift resumption of the halted sewerage system project. The council also sought the establishment of a designated swimming area.
Additionally, they requested road improvements through soil filling and levelling, approval of the island’s land allocation guidelines, repairs to the futsal court fence, and the construction of a larger football field with artificial turf. The members further emphasised the need for a multi-purpose hall for the school, and new buildings for the health centre and council office.
President Dr Muizzu assured participants that the Government would give due consideration to their concerns.
The President is now into his third day of his four day tour of Shaviyani Atoll as part of his nationwide initiative to travel across all Maldivian atolls, engaging with atoll, island, and city councils directly.