President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reiterated the Administration’s commitment to formally designate Noonu Ken’dhikulhudhoo as a ‘Mangrove Island’, recognising its unique ecological value and the presence of several mangrove sites.

Speaking at Ken’dhikulhudhoo School during his four-day visit to inhabited islands in Noonu Atoll, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the importance of preserving the island’s distinctive natural environment.

Beyond environmental preservation, the President outlined a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing public services and infrastructure on the island. These include expanding the 24-hour health centre with additional staff and a second ambulance to improve emergency response, rehabilitating the island’s futsal field, and completing ongoing water and sanitation projects in the coming months.

Addressing improvements in public transport, the President noted that the RTL School Bus Service, which he inaugurated earlier in the day, would be expanded with additional buses and service enhancements to improve accessibility for residents.

He said that all pledges made to Ken’dhikulhudhoo would be fulfilled within 2025 and 2026, and that projects pledged to other islands would begin in 2026 and be completed by 2028.

As part of his visit, President Dr Muizzu also held meetings with members of the Ken’dhikulhudhoo Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions.

Council members raised several priorities with the President, including the need to expand healthcare services, continue the school development project, extend the electricity network to new residential areas, and accelerate work on water and sanitation systems.

Earlier in the day, the President also attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ken’dhikulhudhoo Nature Park Visitors’ Centre. The centre is being developed through a partnership between the Island Council and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment to support local tourism.