Fulidhoo harbor work begins, reclamation if residents request

Work has begun on constructing the Fulidhoo harbor in a way that has been requested by the island's residents and in such a way that the natural beauty of the beach isn't affected.

The work started during a special ceremony that was held at Fulidhoo upon President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's arrival. The President is currently visiting 31 islands across four atolls, a visit he began this afternoon.

With a population of around 500, work on the Fulidhoo harbor was started by Construction Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib. Project lead company MTCC's Managing Director Ahmed Saudee also attended the ceremony.

Fulidhoo, an island popular in the local tourism scene, has a jetty in place instead of a harbor. There is an eye-catching shore and sandy white beach, with many types of marine animals thriving within the area.

Many residents of Fulidhoo have told Mihaaru News that they have had to face the difficulties and inconveniences of not having a harbor. They've also said that the building of a harbor has been a long-time dream of theirs.

"We want the harbor to be built without the natural beauty of the island being disturbed. We've been requesting this harbor even before President Maumoon's administration. But none of the administration's have done this for us," said a Fulidhoo resident.

"This is something we've been dreaming of for a long time and now it is coming true."

Residents of Fulidhoo believe that with the harbor being built, the tourist count will rise, resulting in an increase in revenue for the island.

Some relevant information regarding the Fulidhoo harbor project:

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu also stated that if the residents of V. Fulidhoo requested it, a project to reclaim 12 hectares of land can also be put into effect. This is the solution to the housing issue the residents of Fulidhoo are experiencing.

The President went on to say that Fulidhoo residents haven't been given the land they've been allocated for 15 years and that if the residents desire it, the dredging project can be started while the harbor project is ongoing.

The President highlighted that with the reclamation project being brought to a halt due to residents expressing concern after signing the agreement. He went on to say that if Fulidhoo residents don't want the reclamation to move forward then it won't proceed. 

"The reclamation of the 12 hectares will proceed along with the harbor project. But we need the residents to be certain. If the residents want plots to be given after dredging, we request a written document from their council be submitted," said the President.

"This is so that if for example, there are voices stating that the dredging was done against the will of the people, then we have evidence that that was not the case."

Island youth have also requested for a football stadium, with the President stating that a futsal court will be built even though there is a lack of space.

The President also gave his assurance that a USD ATM will be allocated by March 2026.