Major projects across healthcare, housing, infrastructure, transport and public services are driving development in Raa Dhuvaafaru, where the population exceeds 5,000, with more than 3,500 people currently residing on the island.
Originally developed by the Government to accommodate residents displaced from Kandholhudhoo following the 2004 tsunami, Dhuvaafaru is now among the islands with the highest number of development projects under way simultaneously. The Government has also designated Dhuvaafaru and Ungoofaaru for development as regional urban centres.
The upgrade of Dhuvaafaru Health Centre into a hospital is among the island's key healthcare projects, with services already operating from a two-storey building equipped with the necessary facilities and staffed by doctors. Most of the construction work on an extension building to accommodate additional hospital services has also been completed.
Housing development is another priority. Dhuvaafaru Council President Ahmed Shah said preparations to construct 50 row houses on the island are complete, with work scheduled to begin in the final week of this month.
"We have allocated land for the project in the reclaimed area of the island and completed the preparations. Construction work will begin in the final week of this month," Dhuvaafaru Council President Shah said.
Infrastructure projects are also progressing in the reclaimed area, where work has begun on asphalt paving and the development of 16 kilometres of roads covering 75 streets. The authorities have also assigned work to establish water, sewerage and electricity infrastructure in the area.
The Government has also earmarked a harbour development project for Dhuvaafaru to address difficulties with loading and unloading.
Dhuvaafaru Council President Shah said the council had consulted residents about the changes they wanted incorporated into the harbour project and shared their proposals with the relevant ministries.
Several other public service projects are under way, including work on the island's police station, the establishment of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centre, the creation of a Quran-related section and the development of a waste management centre.
Construction of a sports complex is also progressing as part of efforts to support youth development and expand sporting opportunities, with plans to provide facilities for various sports. Work on a volleyball court and an outdoor gym has already been completed.
The island is also expanding access to essential commercial services. Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM) has established a fuel shed, while work continues to provide fuel at State Trading Organisation (STO) rates.
Bank of Maldives (BML) has established a branch on the island, where residents have access to banking services and ATM facilities for both Maldivian rufiyaa and US dollars.
Transport services have also expanded, with Raajje Transport Link (RTL) bus services now operating on the island and arrangements in place to facilitate RTL ferry travel.