President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to start the construction of a new mosque with a capacity of 500 people in Dh. Rin'budhoo by July, as part of the 2025 budget.
The President made this assurance while engaging with Rin'budhoo residents during his ongoing tour of all the inhabited islands of South Nilandhe Atoll.
During the meeting, the President stated that the Rin'budhoo Island Council had informed him that the island's mosque had been built in 1992, and that no other mosque had been built since then. He expressed his belief that, as proud Maldivians who have embraced the faith of Islam, the nation must have an adequate number of well-designed and spacious mosques on its islands.
The President further pledged to resolve the space constraints at the island school, emphasising the importance of a permanent solution that would greatly enhance the learning environment for the island's residents, students, parents, and teachers.
President Dr Muizzu announced that, upon the completion of the ongoing administrative and technical work within the next two months, the project would be initiated by May at the latest. This comprehensive educational development project will include six classrooms, a computer lab, and a library, providing much-needed facilities for the island's educational needs.
Highlighting concerns about the improvements needed for the Rin'budhoo Health Centre, the President assured that a project focused on resolving its space constraints, enhancing healthcare facilities, and mobilising human resources would be launched within the year.
Despite the relocation of some Rin'budhoo residents years ago, the President stated that the issue of adequate housing remains unresolved. He acknowledged that his efforts prior to the visit had not borne fruit and announced that a technical team was en route to the island for productive discussions and meaningful engagement with the island council.
The President assured that he would work towards achieving a permanent solution to this issue, citing that both the resident population and the relocated families need a comprehensive solution. He urged the island community and its stakeholders to work collaboratively towards this common goal for the betterment of all Rin'budhoo citizens.
Furthermore, the President announced promising initiatives for the development of Rin'budhoo Island. These include the roll out of the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry network within the year and further developments in the field of sports, aimed at nurturing local talent and promoting healthy lifestyles.
The President also acknowledged that Rin'budhoo Island is renowned for its exquisite and intricate handmade jewellery, stating that such artisanship must be promoted at the national level as it is tied to the Maldivian national identity. He vowed to pay special attention to its protection and shared his vision for reviving this artisanship through dedicated programmes approved by the Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) to be conducted on the island.
