Bodufolhudhoo Council presents highest honor shield of service to Solih

The Bodufolhudhoo Council of Alif Alif Atoll has awarded its Highest Honor Shield of Service to former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in recognition of his significant contributions to the island’s development during his presidency.

Solih received a warm welcome upon his arrival in Bodufolhudhoo on Thursday evening. A special ceremony was held at the island’s harbor area, where the award was formally presented by Council President Shujau Adam.

The council stated that the shield was awarded in acknowledgment of Solih's extensive efforts toward the progress and future of Bodufolhudhoo during his administration.

These contributions include:

• Reclaiming 12 hectares of land, effectively resolving the island’s decades-long land scarcity issue.
• Launching a comprehensive water and sewerage project.
• Introducing BML ATM services to improve access to banking.
• Developing a multi-purpose sports field and a modern volleyball court.
• Constructing a spacious mosque capable of accommodating 300 worshippers.
• Establishing a youth center and creating job opportunities for local residents.
• Providing full government support for the expansion of the health center and laboratory services, facilitated under Japan’s ABC grant aid program.

Among these, the land reclamation project stands out as the most transformative initiative, according to Bodufolhudhoo residents. It fulfilled a 30-year dream of enabling locals to receive residential plots on their own island.

The council also highlighted that Solih's administration prioritized equitable development across all islands in the Maldives, regardless of population size. Major initiatives, such as land reclamation, essential infrastructure projects, and service enhancements, were carried out at an accelerated pace under the MDP government.

However, many of these projects have reportedly stalled under the current administration, prompting concern among citizens and local councils alike.