Govt To Address Concerns of Multiple Islands in Kolhumadulu Atoll
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has expressed the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of residents across various islands in Kolhumadulu Atoll during his ongoing presidential tour.
In press releases published by the President’s Office yesterday, President Muizzu addressed the inhabitants of Buruni, Kandoodhoo, Vandhoo, Hirilandhoo, and Thimarafushi Islands and acknowledged the challenges faced by their communities, ranging from beach erosion to urgent infrastructure needs.
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Buruni Island
In a meeting with the Island Council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) at Buruni School, council members highlighted pressing concerns, including halted harbor upgrade and water network projects, as well as space constraints at the Council Secretariat. They also voiced aspirations for housing units, ATM services, and recreational facilities like a children’s park and a sports fishing buoy.
Speaking to the community of Buruni Island, President Muizzu noted the negative impact of soil erosion to the island’s local tourism, assuring residents that delayed projects would be expedited. Notably, he highlighted setbacks encountered in the progress of the island port, a project initiated under the previous Administration. The President further outlined plans for incorporating uninhabited islands into the jurisdiction of Island Councils such as Buruni. The move is expected to enhance revenue and income for all islands and align development plans with the country’s economic objectives, according to the President’s Office.
Additionally, the President announced plans for the construction of children’s parks and exercise spaces across the country,and that Buruni island can expect to benefit from this initiative. The President also addressed specific requests from the WDC, including Ramadan allowances and maternity leave.
Thimarafushi Island
Continuing his tour, President Muizzu engaged with residents on Thimarafushi Island, where urgent concerns were raised regarding harbor repairs, hospital construction, and support for sports development. In response, the President pledged to make every effort to find amicable resolutions to the issues highlighted by the WDC. He assured that relevant government ministries would collaborate closely with the council to find mutually agreeable solutions.
Kandoodhoo Island
Speaking to residents of Kandoodhoo Island, council members outlined challenges confronting the health centre, transportation, and the port’s deteriorating condition. Further, the council expressed the need for an ATM and advocated for an airport on the island, while the WDC shared its budget concerns.
Vandhoo Island
On Vandhoo Island, the President engaged with council members and the WDC, addressing needs such as an ice plant, sporting facilities, a children’s park, and health center upgrades.
Hirilandhoo Island
Similar concerns were echoed on Hirilandhoo Island, where discussions centred around halted developmental projects,concerns around healthcare services and urgent infrastructure requirements, particularly regarding the installation of water sanitation systems prior to Ramadan.
In a meeting with the Kolhumadulu Atoll Council, council members emphasized the need to introduce local tourism to all islands of the atoll, and highlighted urgent upgrades required for the Atoll Hospital, in addition to challenges of intra-atoll travel in the Kolhumadulu Atoll. The council went on to propose an international airport with an economic zone based in the atoll, and the development of a fish factory. As such, President Dr Muizzu revealed plans were underway to redevelop the Atoll Hospital.
The President is currently on an ongoing three-day tour of Kolhumadulu atoll, accompanied by a high-level government delegation.
