President Announces Ambulances for Over 60 Islands, Highlights Key Development Plans for Dhan’bidhoo

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that ambulances will be sent to more than 60 islands this year.

He made the announcement while addressing the residents of Dhan’bidhoo on Tuesday, as part of his ongoing visit to the inhabited islands of Laamu Atoll.

Earlier in the day, the President met with members of the Dhan’bidhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities.

During the meeting, Council members outlined several infrastructure challenges, including issues with the island’s sewerage network and electricity grid. They also called for the resumption of stalled development projects and urged swift action on new initiatives, such as the construction of a Council Secretariat building, a multipurpose school hall, a mosque, and a causeway. Additional requests included the development of sporting facilities, specifically a handball court for youth, and the completion of fencing work at the island’s main football stadium.

The Council further stressed the need for upgrading the harbour, deepening its channel, and securing an ambulance for the community. President Dr Muizzu assured that the concerns raised would be addressed.

In the community meeting that followed, the President assured that the government would implement key development projects in Dhan’bidhoo, including the expansion of the island’s health centre to add an additional ward. While the government plans to send ambulances to 60 islands before the end of the year, Dhan’bidhoo will be among the recipients, he revealed.

The President also emphasised that finding a sustainable solution for Dhan’bidhoo’s sewerage system is a priority for the administration. He stated that the road development initiative for Dhan’bidhoo will be launched once a solution to the island’s sewerage network is in place. An agreement to develop the roads was signed with the Road Development Corporation (RDC) as part of the meeting.

Although the commencement of physical works on several other projects was cancelled due to adverse weather, including the inauguration of Bank of Maldives ATM services, the commencement of construction for the Health Centre extension building, the launch of laboratory services at the Health Centre, and the groundbreaking ceremonies for the island’s Police Station and Fitness and Recreation Centre, the President assured that all projects will proceed as planned.

The President further revealed that, in line with the key development projects planned for the island, physical works on a 500-capacity mosque will commence this year, alongside the provision of a sea ambulance for the Health Centre. He added that, to address the challenges faced when boarding and disembarking vessels, a preliminary team will soon visit Dhan’bidhoo to assess the harbour and determine the costs required for its improvement.

Speaking on the benefits of the Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo causeway for Dhan’bidhoo, the President said the project would boost the local economy. He acknowledged that the project had remained approved and signed for a significant period of time, and assured that the practical implementation of the project would commence the following day.

Highlighting Dhan’bidhoo’s power issues, the President said that Fenaka Corporation Limited would provide a new generator. He also stated that the 2026 national budget will include allocations for education and sports development projects on the island, assuring that these initiatives will be completed in the near future.

During the ceremony, President Dr Muizzu was presented a commemorative plaque from the Bank of Maldives to the Dhan’bidhoo Island Council to mark the start of ATM services.