Sidibari
On his visit to the islands of Baa Atoll this week, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has made over a dozen pledges on developing sports infrastructure within the atoll.
One of the first visits on the tour was to Fehendhoo. The president had stated the government’s plan to construct a ‘fully-fledged’ football stadium, one with floodlights, in addition to renovating the Fehendhoo futsal pitch, building a volley court, and establishing a fitness and recreation centre. The people of Fehendhoo were also promised an outdoor gym.
The president’s pledge was on par with his promise to develop islands regardless of size and population; with just around 200 inhabitants, Fehendhoo is one of the least populated islands in the Maldives.
Visiting nearby Thulhaadhoo on Tuesday, the president addressed the people, stating, “In the area of sports, I have to note that, handball – a sport beloved by the women – it is an earnest request by the people of this island. The construction of a handball pitch will start very soon, God-Willing”. Thulhaadhoo’s futsal pitch will also be replaced by a “newer, bigger” one, the construction of which will start this year, the president ensured.
The President then visited Hithaadhoo and promised four different sports infrastructure projects on the island as well. The biggest pledge was a big football stadium. When it comes to building sports infrastructure, this government “does things differently”, pointed out the president, highlighting that the football stadium will be constructed as a single project, with sub-base, walls and floodlights incorporated into it.
On his address to the people of Dhonfanu, the president Dr. Muizzu reiterated the plan to finish the paused construction of the island’s football stadium. When the project is finished, footballers will be able to play at night under the floodlights, promised the president. Dr. Muizzu also promised a multi-purpose pitch, on which Dhonfanu youth will be able to play both handball and futsal.
The construction of a volleyball court will start next year, added the president. The people of Dhonfanu will also be able to enjoy an outdoor gym and a fitness centre in the near future.
On his last day on the Baa Atoll tour, President Dr. Muizzu visited Dharavandhoo and Kihaadhoo. Addressing the people of Dharavandhoo, the president promised the renovation of the island’s football stadium, including setting up floodlights. As for Kihaadhoo, the paused renovation of football pitch will resume this year. By the end of the project, Kihaadhoo will have a turf ground with the capability to play at night time.
As for the capital and the most populous island, Eydhafushi was promised an indoor sports complex with 1200 seats.
The president ended his tour of Baa Atoll on Wednesday night, and has returned to Male’ this morning.
