Thinadhoo residents ask for harbour development before park and gym

Residents of Vaavu atoll Thinadhoo have urged the government to prioritize developing the island’s harbour over building a park and gym, THinadhoo Council President Shifaaq Hussain said.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu began a tour of Vaavu atoll yesterday, stopping at Thinadhoo as his second visit. The island has a population of about 300.

At a meeting attended by President Muizzu, cabinet ministers and state owned company heads, Council President Shifaaq said residents welcomed promises of sports facilities but believed the harbour was the more urgent need.

“The president has promised a gym and a park for Thinadhoo. But the money allocated for such projects should be used to solve the harbour issue,” he said.

Ferries and speedboats cannot dock in the lagoon during the rainy season because of damage to the harbour, with four vessels sinking in recent years, he said.

Shifaaq added that despite Thinadhoo being one of the most developed islands for local tourism and contributing significant tax revenue, it had been neglected by successive governments.

Several residents at the meeting echoed the concerns, criticising politicians for failing to act outside of campaign tours.

President Muizzu said the government would seek solutions in line with residents’ priorities and promised a dollar ATM would be installed on the island before March next year.

Muizzu said the government would seek solutions in line with residents’ priorities and promised a dollar ATM would be installed on the island before March next year.