Dhuvaafaru Sees Inauguration of Solar Energy Initiative, Multiple Development Projects During President’s Visit

In a significant push toward sustainability, Dhuvaafaru, Raa Atoll witnessed the launch of a major solar energy project during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to the island on Saturday, marking a cornerstone of the island’s green transition.

The initiative, inaugurated by Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar, aims to convert 33 percent of the island’s electricity to renewable sources through household solar panels. Implemented by Male’ Water and Sewerage Company Limited (MWSC), the project promises reduced electricity bills for residents and lower diesel emissions. A dedicated "Solar Energy" portal was simultaneously launched to streamline panel installations.

Alongside the energy project, the government unveiled multiple development ventures to coincide with the President’s visit. The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) was awarded the contract to construct the Dhuvaafaru Sports Complex, signed by the Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu and MACL MD Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed. This regional hub will host tournaments for sports like volleyball, netball, and handball, aligning with a national plan to establish six such complexes nationwide.

Further bolstering sports infrastructure, the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) commenced work on an outdoor volleyball court. Inaugurated by Minister Rafiu, the facility aims to nurture community bonds and youth engagement in the sports-loving island.

Healthcare upgrades also took centre stage, with President Muizzu inaugurating the new Dhuvaafaru Health Centre building. The facility now features an emergency room, X-ray services, dental care, and ultrasound scans. Additionally, the President witnessed the groundbreaking on a separate project for an extension building to transform the centre into a full-fledged hospital within six months, adding an operating theater, intensive care unit, and specialised wards under a USD 1.7 million project.

The visit also saw the launch of a Waste Management Centre being developed by MTCC, set to resolve the island’s waste challenges within 120 days. Minister Umar spearheaded the groundbreaking, emphasising the government’s commitment to enhancing island infrastructure, environmental resilience, and public services across the Maldives.

The practical work on the new student accommodation building in Dhuvaafaru was kickstarted during the President’s visit. The project has been awarded to Fenaka Corporation Limited, which will oversee the development of the facility.

This initiative is part of a larger plan to construct student accommodation blocks in four strategic locations nationwide, with Dhuvaafaru being a key site.

The President before concluding the visit, witnessed the commencement of the land reclamation project in Dhuvaafaru. The project valued at USD 11.2 million with a 360-day timeframe, MTCC will dredge around 15.8 hectares of land, construct 812 metres of revetment and 450 meters of groynes.