The government is to develop a harbor in Raiymandhoo island of Meemu atoll.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih made the announcement during a meeting with the island community, as part of his ongoing tour of five islands in Meemu atoll.

The harbor construction plan was announced by the president in a bid to ease the drawn-out difficulties the island community has been facing due to a lack of a harbor.

Highlighting that although the previous administrations had prioritized the development of bigger islands with a vast population, President Solih noted that he seeks equitable development of all islands, irrespective of their population or size.

As such, the president held discussions regarding the issue facing the residents of the island with the island councilors and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) earlier on Saturday.

The incumbent administration’s plans to carry out coastal protection works to address the island’s beach erosion problem to coincide with the harbor development project, were also announced.

The island remains the only island in Meemu atoll, without a proper harbor.

Noting that the water and sewerage projects for the island, initiated by this administration, are also currently underway, the president revealed that the sewerage network project is expected to be completed in December this year.

The water supply project is also expected to be completed during March 2023, with the development of a futsal and volleyball court also in different stages of completion.

Regarding the improvement of healthcare services across the country, the president stressed on the significance of ensuring reliable connectivity between the islands for such services.

With this, he revealed that the "Raajje Transport Link" ferry service will help address several problems facing the atoll communities.

Raiymandhoo was the president’s first destination of the tour, which began on Saturday morning. He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome. This is the president’s first visit to the island.

President Solih will be touring five islands of Meemu atoll during the two-day visit.

As such, alongside Raiymandhoo, the president will touch down at Maduvvari, Dhiggaru, Veyvah as well as Muli during the tour.

He is accompanied by a high-level delegation of government officials.

The President’s Office revealed that during the visits, the president will be inspecting the progress of the ongoing development projects in these islands.

President Solih will participate in the ceremony marking the conclusion of the shore protection project in Dhiggaru island, as well as the ceremony to officially inaugurate the harbor and powerhouse in Veyvah island.

He will also sit down with members of the Meemu Atoll Council, island councils and Women’s Development Committees of the respective islands.

President Solih is expected to return to the capital on August 29, after concluding the visit.