News Desk
On Fishermen’s Day, President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu travelled north to Dhuvaafaru, in Raa Atoll, to inaugurate a slate of development projects that will reshape the island’s social and economic landscape. The combined cost of the initiatives is MVR 666.7 million, a figure that underscores the government’s push to expand infrastructure in outer atolls.
Every year, the Maldives marks Fishermen’s Day with celebrations held on one of the country’s inhabited islands, a tradition that underscores the central role of fishing in the nation’s identity and economy. This year, the festivities were hosted in Dhuvaafaru, bringing national attention to the island as President Muizzu inaugurated a series of development projects alongside the commemorations.
Among the projects, the third phase of the Dhuvaafaru road construction was formally launched. Awarded to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), the MVR 66 million effort is expected to take 810 days. Alongside it, MTCC will also carry out a land reclamation and beach protection project, valued at MVR 172.93 million, scheduled for completion in 360 days.
Smaller but significant works were also announced. A Waste Management Centre will be built for MVR 1.76 million, with a timeline of 120 days. An outdoor volleyball court, budgeted at MVR 1.24 million, is also underway, expected to be ready in the same period. To bolster public safety, construction of a new police station has begun, a MVR 36.03 million project slated for 360 days.
Beyond construction, services were rolled out. RTL bus services have now started operating on the island, and the President inaugurated the first subsidized fuel shed for fishermen, a move aimed at easing costs for one of the community’s most vital livelihoods.
Dhuvaafaru, located in Raa Atoll, is home to roughly 5,000 people. The island was resettled after the 2004 tsunami, when survivors from Kandholhudhoo were relocated here. The nearest airport is Ifuru Airport, about 187 km from Malé, with domestic flights taking around 50 minutes.
