President Unveils Major Development Projects and Eco-tourism Vision During Noonu Atoll Tour

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced a series of major infrastructure and community development initiatives during his ongoing tour of Noonu Atoll yesterday, including the commencement of the Hen’badhoo land reclamation project in November, the launch of the Manadhoo island sewerage project this August to address longstanding concerns, and the introduction of RTL direct-link ferry services between Manadhoo and Un’goofaaru in November. He also pledged to support the transformation of N. Ken’dhikulhudhoo into a prominent ‘Mangrove Island’, aligning with the community’s eco-tourism aspirations.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced a series of key development projects during his ongoing four-day tour of Noonu Atoll, which includes visits to 13 inhabited islands. 

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He set off on a four-day tour of Noonu Atoll yesterday, which includes visits to 13 inhabited islands. He is scheduled to meet with Island Councils, Women’s Development Committees (WDCs), and other local authorities during the visit. Yesterday, he visited Hen’badhoo, Manadhoo, Ken’dhikulhudhoo, Maafaru and Manadhoo.

President Dr @MMuizzu meets the Ken’dhikulhudhoo Island Community. The President outlined the Administration's development plans and aspirations for the island.#RayyithunGaathah #NoonuVisit pic.twitter.com/9uREi00qjl— The President's Office (@presidencymv) July 21, 2025

Ken’dhikulhudhoo: Advancing Eco-Tourism and Community Services

While addressing the community at Ken’dhikulhudhoo School, President Muizzu pledged to support the island’s transformation into a leading ‘Mangrove Island’, in line with local aspirations to develop eco-tourism. He emphasised the importance of protecting the island’s natural beauty while harnessing its potential for economic and social benefit.

The President outlined plans to enhance Ken’dhikulhudhoo’s 24-hour health centre by increasing staffing and procuring an additional ambulance to improve emergency response and healthcare delivery.

In the area of sports, he committed to repairing the damaged futsal field and completing ongoing water and sanitation projects in the coming months.

Highlighting improvements to island-wide services, the President announced the expansion of the RTL School Bus Service, which began operations today. He confirmed that more buses would be added to improve accessibility and efficiency.

President Muizzu concluded by reaffirming his promise to fulfil all commitments made to Ken’dhikulhudhoo within this year and the next. He stated that projects pledged for other islands will commence in 2026, with completion expected in 2027 and 2028. He further reiterated the Government’s intention to meet all development goals while managing public debt without compromising economic stability.

Land Reclamation Set for November in Hen’badhoo

In Hen’badhoo, President Muizzu confirmed that the long-awaited land reclamation project will begin in November 2025. Addressing residents during his visit to the island, he stressed that the Government has prioritised this initiative as one of its key development goals for the year.

He explained that a comprehensive engineering design is required before reclamation begins, as the site lies close to the planned harbour wall. The project is expected to be awarded to a contractor by September, following consultations with the Hen’badhoo Island Council.

The President stated that up to six hectares of land will be reclaimed and allocated for housing, infrastructure, and sports facilities in accordance with the island’s land-use plan. As part of this development, a full-sized football pitch will be constructed.

He also noted that efforts are underway to improve healthcare on the island, with plans for the health centre to operate at least 16 hours a day by the end of the year.

During his visit, President Muizzu inaugurated two new initiatives: the construction of a mosque and the development of the N. Hen’badhoo Fitness and Recreation Centre.

Major Infrastructure Overhaul in Manadhoo

While speaking to the people of Manadhoo, President Muizzu announced that the long-delayed sewerage project will start this August. He highlighted the need for a complete overhaul of the existing system and confirmed that the work will proceed alongside the island’s road development project, with both expected to be completed by 2027.

The President assured residents that significant steps are being taken to improve healthcare services. Hospital expansion works are underway, along with the recruitment of medical specialists. He underlined the importance of accessible, quality healthcare, noting its personal impact on communities.

Turning to sports development, President Muizzu confirmed that all issues related to the island’s multi-sports complex have been resolved, allowing the project to proceed as planned. A volleyball court will also be developed under a separate initiative.

In the education sector, he announced administrative progress toward establishing a campus of the Islamic University of the Maldives (IUM) in Manadhoo, further strengthening the island’s already vibrant educational environment.

To improve connectivity, the President confirmed that RTL direct-link ferry services between Manadhoo and Un’goofaaru will commence in November.

On housing, President Muizzu acknowledged that the island’s needs cannot be addressed in a single year. However, he reaffirmed the Government’s long-term strategy, which includes the construction of new housing units and the implementation of a housing loan scheme to provide lasting solutions.

During the evening’s community meeting, passport services were officially inaugurated in Manadhoo by the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan.