President Muizzu Advances Development, Public Services in Mahibadhoo, Omadhoo, and Hangnaameedhoo of Alifu Dhaalu Atoll

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu delivered on key pledges yesterday, launching nationwide National ID card and passport services, announcing the completion of land reclamation in Mahibadhoo, supporting community-led projects in Omadhoo, and pledging to boost guesthouse tourism in Hangnaameedhoo. 

The visit is part of his tour of ten inhabited islands in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, which he started on October 6.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

Kickstarts Land Reclamation in Mahibadhoo, Advancements in Housing and Healthcare

President Dr Muizzu assured residents that the land reclamation project for Mahibadhoo is among the island’s most significant development initiatives. The project will reclaim 67 hectares of land, which will be handed over to residents within ten months. He described the initiative as a major step in transforming Mahibadhoo into a key urban centre and facilitating housing projects.

The physical phase of the reclamation commenced yesterday, with plans for 150 housing units included in the 2026 Budget. Work on a 50-bed hospital is also scheduled to begin next year. Addressing education, the President reaffirmed that by 2026, all students and teachers nationwide will have access to air-conditioned classrooms and staff rooms, with rapid progress on school infrastructure continuing.

President Dr Muizzu also marked the nationwide launch of National ID card issuance and printing, alongside passport services, in Mahibadhoo. Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan inaugurated the new passport service on the island, completing the rollout three months ahead of schedule and reducing islanders’ reliance on Malé for essential services.

At a meeting with the Mahibadhoo Island Council, Women’s Development Committee, and institutional heads, the President heard concerns over waste management, harbour access, housing, and the ongoing hospital project. He assured participants that the Government would address these priorities.

Prioritise Community Lead Development in Omadhoo

In Omadhoo, President Dr Muizzu pledged support for community-led projects following the government’s designation of Kudadhoo Falhu and two lagoons—RF1329 and RF1330—as part of the island. The areas were formally handed over to the Island Council, with the President emphasising government backing for community-driven economic and tourism initiatives.

He also announced the installation of a US Dollar ATM next year to support tourism businesses and pledged to resume the island’s stalled water network project. Agreements were signed for the construction of a multi-purpose hall at Omadhoo School, while the President witnessed the commencement of several other projects, including a volleyball court, police station, health centre, council secretariat, and fitness and recreation centre.

During a meeting with the Council, Women’s Development Committee, and local institution heads, the President heard requests to expedite the water network project, address coastal erosion, develop the harbour and channel, and provide additional ATM services. He assured that all concerns would be given due consideration.

Support for Guest House Tourism in Hangnaameedhoo

President Dr Muizzu met with guesthouse operators at the newly inaugurated Council Secretariat to discuss tourism development priorities. Operators noted the growth of the local guesthouse industry, currently with around 15 operational properties and several more under construction, and requested access to a nearby picnic island for both residents and tourists.

The President assured support for these initiatives and discussed arrangements to enable picnic excursions for the community. He also met with the Hangnaameedhoo Island Council, Women’s Development Committee, and institutional heads, who highlighted the need for harbour upgrades, improved roads with drainage, shoreline protection, breakwater solutions, boat docking areas, enhanced health centre facilities, and a football ground.

President Dr Muizzu assured that the Government would prioritise these development needs and was accompanied by Cabinet ministers and senior officials from State-Owned Enterprises, who provided updates on ongoing projects.

This tour continues the Administration’s focus on accelerating development, decentralising essential services, and ensuring that community priorities across Alifu Dhaalu Atoll are addressed.