Solih returns to Malé after visit to Bodufolhudhoo

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has returned to the capital Malé City following a visit to Bodufolhudhoo island of Alif Alif atoll, made at the invitation of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members from the island.

Solih arrived in Bodufolhudhoo on Thursday evening, where he received a warm and enthusiastic welcome. Many residents gathered at the harbor to greet the former president, reflecting continued local support.

During his visit, the Bodufolhudhoo Council held a special ceremony to honor Solih with the island’s highest Service Award. The council stated that the award was presented in recognition of his significant contributions to the island’s development during his presidency.

As part of his trip, Solih met with the local community in a public gathering at the harbor area. He also visited elderly residents and individuals with special needs and vulnerabilities, highlighting a personal and compassionate element to his visit.

Solih held key discussions with senior MDP members on the island, focusing on preparations for the upcoming local council elections and plans to expand the party’s activities in Bodufolhudhoo.

During his tenure, Solih's administration initiated several major development projects in Bodufolhudhoo. These included the construction of a 300-capacity mosque, the development of a water and sewerage system, and the establishment of laboratory services at the local health center.

Among these initiatives, residents cite the land reclamation project as the most transformative. The project enabled the distribution of residential plots for the first time in nearly 30 years, fulfilling a long-held dream of many Bodufolhudhoo residents to receive land on their home island.

Locals have described Solih as a “pioneer of Bodufolhudhoo’s development,” acknowledging his administration's lasting impact on the island’s progress.