President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has unveiled a strategic development initiative aimed at accelerating economic and social progress in Kaashidhoo, a geographically isolated island in Kaafu Atoll. Addressing residents during a recent visit, the president tied the launch of scheduled seaplane services to the successful commencement of a proposed resort project in the island’s lagoon.
“The establishment of a service platform is deemed economically feasible by seaplane operators only where existing tourism is present,” President Muizzu said. “Scheduled seaplane travel will therefore commence immediately upon securing an investor for the resort development and the initiation of that work. We harbour great optimism that this endeavour will be successful.”
After a failed bid, the government reopens the search for investors
Kaashidhoo, home to more than 2,000 residents, has long faced structural challenges due to its remote location. The president acknowledged that a prior attempt to attract investment for the lagoon resort had faltered, citing geographic and regulatory constraints as key deterrents.
In response, the government has reopened the search for investors, this time offering significant concessions on prices and rates. President Muizzu expressed confidence that the revised terms would help secure the capital needed to advance the project.
Transport and harbour upgrades are central to the development plan
The resort initiative forms part of a broader infrastructure agenda designed to improve connectivity and unlock economic potential. Plans include the introduction of transport arrangements aligned with the resort’s development.
As part of this effort, preparations are underway to launch the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry service to Kaashidhoo. The president also underscored the need for a modern harbour, assuring residents that the project would be prioritised in the forthcoming national budget.
President hopes new infrastructure will reverse population outflow
These infrastructure commitments are intended to lay the groundwork for broader economic revitalisation. President Muizzu projected that the developments would spur new business activity across multiple sectors and improve the island’s overall financial outlook.
He noted that the anticipated growth could encourage Kaashidhoo residents currently living elsewhere to return. The government has also pledged support for the local council’s independent tourism initiatives, aiming to foster community-led development.
President meets Kaashidhoo council as island development agenda expands
During the visit, President Muizzu convened consultations with the island council, the women’s development committee (WDC), and local institutional leaders to assess the island’s development priorities. The discussions centred on infrastructure, healthcare, tourism, and food security, sectors identified as critical to Kaashidhoo’s long-term growth.
Council members raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of the harbour and the limited capacity of the health centre, which currently lacks X-ray and scan services. They also shared updates on the Kaashidhoo Tourism Village, outlining progress on the island’s independent tourism initiative.
Health centre expansion begins as government pledges improved clinical services
The visit also marked the start of construction on a new building at the Kaashidhoo Health Centre. The groundbreaking was officiated by Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, and attended by the Managing Director of the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), the Member of Parliament for Kaashidhoo, and local council members.
The government has awarded the construction contract to MTCC. According to officials, the project is designed to resolve space limitations and expand the range of services offered to the public. The centre currently operates on a 24-hour basis.
President Muizzu stated that the upgrade will increase bed capacity, expand clinical space, and introduce new services, including X-ray and scan capabilities. Physiotherapy services are expected to begin during the current phase of work.
Land transfer agreement aims to strengthen food security and reduce import reliance
In a parallel initiative, the Kaashidhoo Island Council formally transferred one hectare of land to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare. The handover ceremony was held during the president’s engagement with island residents.
The agreement was signed by Agriculture Minister Dr Maryam Mariya and Kaashidhoo Council President Mohamed Amir. The land has been allocated to the ministry for a period of 20 years.
Officials anticipate that the project will significantly boost domestic food production through sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies. By strengthening island-level food systems, the government aims to reduce reliance on imported goods. The initiative is also expected to generate training, employment, and business opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Economic, social, and dietary benefits are projected to accrue to the Kaashidhoo community, improving access to affordable, healthy, and fresh food. Training programmes focused on sustainable farming, business skills, and technology use will be implemented, targeting local farmers, youth, and women. The initiative follows a similar land allocation for food security in Huraa, also located in Kaafu Atoll.
Road modernisation agreement prioritises institutional access and community needs
An agreement to modernise Kaashidhoo’s road network was also signed during the president’s visit. Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib signed on behalf of the ministry, while Road Development Corporation (RDC) Managing Director Ibrahim Nazeem signed for the company.
The government has pledged that the road development will reflect the needs and preferences of Kaashidhoo residents. National prioritisation for road upgrades focuses on routes serving major institutions and those in critical disrepair.
New rehabilitation centre seeks to decentralise drug treatment services
Construction has also commenced on a new Community Rehabilitation Centre in Kaashidhoo. The inauguration ceremony, held during the president’s visit, was officiated by Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan. The event was attended by the RDC Managing Director, the Kaashidhoo constituency member, and the island council president.
At present, drug rehabilitation services in the Maldives are largely concentrated in the Malé region. Although six smaller centres operate in the atolls, they are widely regarded as inadequate. The government’s stated objective is to establish a comprehensive and decentralised system of care through the development of new facilities.
Police station construction begins as part of broader law enforcement upgrade
In tandem with other development initiatives, construction has officially begun on a new police station in Kaashidhoo. The project was inaugurated during the president’s visit and officiated by Minister Ihusaan.
The construction has been contracted to the Road Development Corporation and forms part of the government’s broader effort to enhance law enforcement infrastructure across the islands.
Recreation centre to expand access to fitness and indoor sports
The government also launched construction of a new fitness and recreation centre in Kaashidhoo, as part of a nationwide initiative to promote community wellness. The project was formally inaugurated during President Muizzu’s visit to the island.
The development has been contracted to the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). The ceremonial laying of the foundation stone was officiated by Abdulla Rafiu, Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation. He was joined by MACL Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, the Member of Parliament for Kaashidhoo, and representatives of the Island Council.
The centre is designed to serve as a comprehensive hub for physical activity and social engagement. Planned infrastructure includes an indoor gymnasium and dedicated spaces for aerobics, reflecting the government’s emphasis on accessible fitness facilities. Additional amenities will support a range of recreational activities, with designated areas for board games and general indoor sports.